The traffic commissioners have welcomed the Department for Transport (DfT) and the HSE reminding businesses they should provide suitable toilet and hand washing facilities to visiting drivers.
In an open letter, the DfT and HSE reminded companies of their obligations under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, which require them to provide hygiene facilities to visitors.
The letter said: “Businesses which make or receive deliveries, should ensure that drivers have easy and safe access to toilets and hand washing facilities to support their health and wellbeing whilst carrying out their important work, which supports the economy.
“Regulations 20 and 21 state that suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences and washing facilities shall be provided at readily accessible places and that hot and cold running water and soap must be available to use.
“Whilst this obligation for business is not new, ensuring that hygiene facilities are made available to visiting drivers is especially important during the current COVID-19 crisis, to avoid unwanted public health implications and to help tackle the spread of the virus, at a time when there are fewer locations operating with facilities that drivers can access.”
The office for the traffic commissioners said it encouraged all operators to read the letter and accompanying guidance: “The traffic commissioners for Great Britain welcome this letter,” it added.
“Britain’s delivery drivers do vital work and their health must be protected.
“Traffic commissioners can consider any breaches of relevant health and safety legislation when taking regulatory action against an operator.”
