Approximately 75 people die in work related road crashes in Ireland each year, according to new figures revealed today by the Road Safety Authority.
The figures show that up to one third of all road collisions involve drivers who are using their vehicle for work.
Despite the number of such deaths, more than four in 10 companies do not issue driving guidelines.
The figures were revealed at the start of a road safety campaign, from the RSA and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), aimed at making employers aware of their responsibility to ensure the safety of their staff on the roads.
Health and Safety Authority chief executive Martin O’Halloran said employers are legally obliged to put proper measures in place to protect the safety of all their employees. "Particularly concerning is that 42 per cent of Irish businesses have no driving for work policy as part of their health and safety management system," he said.
Mr O’Halloran said employers are required to give proper information and training to protect the safety of workers. “This duty extends to employees who drive for work,” he said. “Not only will a proactive approach help to protect your workforce, it may also save your business significant amounts of money.”
Studies show that people who drive company cars have between 30 per cent and 40 per cent more collisions than ordinary drivers and this risk increases for those who drive more than 40,000 kms a year.
RSA chief executive Noel Brett said driving for work guidelines to help employers are now available free of charge from both the RSA and the HSA. The information provides an overview of legislation, how to carry out risk assessments and highlights the significant benefits for businesses and the wider community when work related road safety is managed effectively, he said.
"Managing staff safety, while driving for work, makes good business sense, especially in the current economic climate as it protects staff and business profits," he added. "For example, for every one euro claimed on insurance, arising from work related road incidents, companies may have to pay a further €8 to €36 for uninsured losses."