RHA joins HSE’s Working Minds campaign
Working Minds logo
More needs to be done to protect Britain’s HGV drivers from work-related stress.
HSE’s Working Minds campaign has been launched in the transport sector with the Road Haulage Association (RHA) joining as a partner to help raise awareness of legal duty and the support and resources available.
Stress, depression or anxiety is now the number one cause of work-related ill-health in Great Britain. Within the transportation and storage sector, around 4 in 10 cases of work-related ill-health are due to stress, depression or anxiety.
Long hours away from home, demanding delivery times and limited access to toilets and showers are common causes of stress for drivers.
Employers have a legal duty to prevent work-related stress and support good mental health by doing a risk assessment and acting on it.
Get started today; see HSE’s Working Minds website for advice including risk assessment templates, examples and practical toolkits to help make conversations easier.
The earlier a problem is tackled the less impact it will have. However, if you or someone you know needs help, you can use an anonymous text support service provided by the charity, Mates in Mind. When it’s safe to do so, simply text “BeAMate” to 85258 and trained volunteers can help with issues including anxiety, stress, loneliness or depression and are available 24/7.
Reminders on loading and unloading
Using access equipment
Loading and unloading can be some of the most hazardous activities carried out on a site. People can fall from a height, be struck by a vehicle or moving equipment, or struck by something falling on them, so it’s important to think carefully about how work can be done safely.
If you provide handling or access equipment such as scissor lifts for workers to use while loading and unloading vehicles, you must make sure the equipment is only used by people who are competent to do so.
You can find out more about training and instruction at our website:
Provide information, training and supervision: Overview
Safe waiting areas
Make sure drivers have a safe place to wait while their vehicles are loaded or unloaded, out of the way of moving vehicles and handling equipment. You may choose to provide a dedicated drivers’ waiting room or area, or ask drivers to remain in their cabs, but make sure everyone knows what the policy is and that drivers can easily and safely access welfare facilities. You should also take steps to control the risk of driveaway incidents if drivers remain in their cabs.
Find out more at our website:
Access to welfare facilities at work
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