Prioritising Safety: Health and Safety for HGV and PSV Operators

In the road transport industry, safety is not just a regulatory requirement it’s a fundamental pillar of operations. For operators of HGVs and PSVs, maintaining high standards of health and safety is essential to protect drivers, passengers, the public, and the business itself.

Key Health and Safety Challenges in the Sector

1. Vehicle Roadworthiness and Maintenance

Ensuring that vehicles are roadworthy is a legal and moral obligation. Walkaround checks, regular safety inspections, and robust defect reporting systems are vital. Operators must implement structured maintenance schedules and ensure that all repairs are carried out promptly and professionally.

2. Driver Fatigue and Wellbeing

Driver fatigue remains a leading cause of road incidents. Operators must manage working hours in line with tachograph regulations and promote a culture where drivers feel supported to report fatigue without fear of reprisal. Mental health support is also recognised as a key component of driver wellbeing.

3. Load Security

Improperly secured loads can lead to catastrophic accidents. The DVSA’s revised guidance on load security highlights the importance of using appropriate securing mechanisms for different types of cargo.

4. Accessibility and Passenger Safety (PSV)

For PSV operators, ensuring the safety and accessibility of vehicles is paramount. This includes maintaining ramps and lifts, ensuring emergency exits are functional, and training staff in passenger assistance and emergency procedures.

5. Workplace Safety at Depots and Yards

Slips, trips, and falls, vehicle movements, and manual handling injuries are common risks in transport depots. Operators must conduct regular risk assessments, provide appropriate PPE, and ensure that all staff are trained in safe working practices.

RHA’s Commitment to Health and Safety

At the Road Haulage Association, we understand the complex safety landscape our members navigate daily. That’s why we offer a comprehensive suite of Health and Safety training and compliance services, including:

Health and Safety Compliance Audits

Our expert team conducts on-site audits to assess your current practices, identify gaps, and provide actionable recommendations to ensure compliance with HSE and DVSA standards.

Tailored Training Courses

We offer a wide range of accredited training programmes, including:

• Driver CPC modules focused on safety and wellbeing

• Transport Manager CPC with a strong emphasis on safety responsibilities

• RHA Academy offers a range of different self paced courses to allow learners to work at their own speed

Health and Safety retainer scheme

By enrolling into the RHA Health and Safety Retainer Scheme, you will have access to a safety management pack containing key documents such as policies, risk assessments, workplace inspections, maintenance and plant records, and a fire/accident logbook.

Consultancy and Support

Our compliance advisors are on hand to provide bespoke advice, whether you’re preparing for an audit or responding to a serious incident.

Conclusion

Health and safety is not a box-ticking exercise—it’s a culture. At the RHA, we are proud to support our members in building safer, more resilient operations. Whether you’re running a fleet of HGVs or managing a PSV service, our training and compliance services are here to help you stay safe, stay compliant, and stay on the road.

For more information, visit rha.uk.net or contact our national helpdesk.