Cyprus is responding positively to enhanced work vehicle safety rules, as highlighted in the latest report by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC).
- Cyprus is responding positively to enhanced work vehicle safety rules, as highlighted in the latest report by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC).
- Furthermore, employers should be encouraged to conduct thorough work-related road risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement necessary safety measures.
The ETSC’s 49th Road Safety PIN Flash Report, released this week, reveals that Cyprus, alongside ten other nations, is making strides in improving procedures for purchasing, leasing, and renting vehicles intended for work purposes. This initiative is crucial in addressing work-related road incidents.
Work vehicle: Work-Related Road Safety in Europe
The report sheds light on the alarming statistics surrounding work-related road deaths and serious injuries across the EU and beyond. While the exact number of fatalities is difficult to ascertain due to the absence of a unified definition of work-related collisions, the report estimates that 30 to 40 per cent of all road deaths in Europe are linked to work activities.
Based on data from 16 European countries, it is projected that the annual toll of work-related road deaths in the EU ranges between 6,000 and 8,000. The ETSC criticises the insufficient attention given to this issue by EU authorities and national governments, urging for more concerted efforts to rectify the situation.
Calls for Comprehensive Data Collection
One of the key recommendations from the ETSC is for the implementation of a comprehensive data collection system. By annually gathering and analysing data on road deaths and serious injuries, authorities can develop a clearer understanding of the scope of the problem. This information is vital for shaping targeted risk prevention measures at both national and EU levels.
The ETSC also suggests linking various data sources, such as coroner reports, occupational health and safety records, and road safety service data. This integration could provide a more accurate picture of work-related road collisions and their consequences.
Encouraging Safe Practices Among Employers
The report emphasises the responsibility of employers in ensuring road safety for their workforce. It recommends that employers adopt the Safe System approach for their work-related road safety initiatives, which encompasses strategies to minimise risks associated with work-related travel.
Furthermore, employers should be encouraged to conduct thorough work-related road risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement necessary safety measures.
Standardising Safety Ratings Across the EU
The ETSC advocates for a standardised approach to categorising road deaths and serious injuries, particularly concerning professional road users and commuters. This would facilitate better tracking and prevention efforts across the EU.
In a bid to enhance safety standards, the report also calls for all EU institutions to exclusively procure vehicles that have received a five-star rating from the Euro NCAP programme, underscoring the importance of high safety standards in work vehicles.
