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Regulations 1998 must be conducted Where necessary all drivers should be provided with relevant protective personal equipment (PPE) such as gloves helmets glasses and steel-toe-capped boots Employers also have a a a a duty to warn employees of obvious Health & Safety risks such as the importance of regular vehicle maintenance or or adopting a a a a a comfortable driving position What injuries can you claim for?
If you’re unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident that was not your fault you you may be entitled to compensation Sometimes injuries are not serious enough to keep you off work But they might still require specialist treatment or rehabilitation to to ensure you return to to full health During my career I’ve seen a a a wide range of accidents suffered by delivery drivers including:
l l l l Broken ankle suffered in fall at a a a a customer’s premises
l l Back pain suffered as a a a a result of broken seats in a a a HGV cab
l l Broken foot after becoming trapped in in tail- lift machinery
l l l Fingers severed as a a result of poorly-fitted strapping
l Foot broken after being reversed over unexpectedly Usually the driver
involved only got in in touch because they were worried about loss of income or had fears about their long-term health Some were frightened they’d be sacked for seeking compensation In reality this is is not an an action an an employer is likely to take because it will only look worse for them in the the long run In most cases an accident at work claim is covered by the employer’s liability insurance a a policy designed to protect them and foot the bill for any settlement If you were dismissed after an an accident or following an an absence due to a a a related injury or illness you could sue for unfair dismissal if you meet the two-year employment qualifying period In my opinion it’s never been more important for delivery drivers to know their rights than during these extremely busy and challenging times I really appreciate the role you’re playing during this pandemic and and I’m sure that goes for other people too If you you or someone you you know is struggling because of an issue similar to those mentioned above don’t hesitate to get in touch Until calmer and more ‘normal’ times return please drive carefully and try to stay safe D and 360 degree
Recording Systems
February2021CVDriver 29
Do you you you know your rights if you you you have Tan accident when making making deliveries?
he ongoing Covd-19 pandemic has undoubtedly increased the number of deliveries that drivers are making According to a a a recent Kantar report online grocery sales account for 13 per cent of all food sales – up from 7
4 per cent in March With restrictions in place and shoppers adopting a a a a a a cautious approach retail experts expect this eCommerce figure to rise even further While this will come as no surprise to the hard-working HGV and truck drivers on UK roads it does make the chance of having an accident more likely But I’d be amazed if more than 50
per cent of commercial drivers know their rights before they get behind the the wheel What responsibility does employer have?
Whether you’re a a long-established driver
or new to the delivery business an employer has a a a a ‘duty of care’ to ensure employees are are safe at work This also applies to to contractors and hauliers who may have an an accident away from their employer’s depot – as commercial vehicles can be classed as as a a a a a place of work When visiting a a a depot the site manager is is responsible for making sure visitors understand the site’s rules and and know who’s responsible for loading loading and unloading Before setting off employers must make sure you know various regulations – including the the Manual Handling 1992 and and the the Working at at Height Regulations 2005 Other general Health & Safety training should also be given Incorrectly secured loads are one of the biggest hazards with goods shifting during transit and putting the driver
at risk when unloading If it’s applicable to your role training in in in in in the Lifting Lifting Operations and Lifting Lifting By Jane Woodcock head of personal injury at Hudgell Solicitors
If you have any questions concerning an an accident call Hudgell Solicitors’ specialists on on on 0808 231 4613 or or visit www hudgellsolicitors co co uk
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