The Health and Safety Executive has provided new guidance in respect of driver welfare and drivers’ hours during the current coronavirus situation.

Driver access to welfare facilities

All drivers must have access to welfare facilities in the premises they visit as part of their work.

The HSE has received reports that some drivers are not being allowed to use welfare facilities when they deliver. Preventing access to welfare facilities is against the law, equally it is not the sensible thing to do.

Those who already provide reasonable access to toilets and handwashing facilities should continue to do so.

With the latest advice for hands to be washed regularly, failure to allow access to welfare facilities may increase the risk of the COVID-19 infection spreading.

Temporary and limited relaxation of drivers’ hours rules

The Department for Transport (DfT) have announced that there will be a temporary and limited relaxation of the enforcement of drivers’ hours rules in England, Scotland, and Wales for the drivers of vehicles involved in the delivery of:

• food
• non-food (personal care and household paper and cleaning)
• over the counter pharmaceuticals

The HSE states that driver safety must not be compromised, and that drivers should not be expected to drive whilst tired.  Employers remain responsible for the health and safety of their employees, other road users, and anyone involved in loading and unloading vehicles. These arrangements may change during this time.

If you require advice for your business please contact one of our team.