Coach & Bus Transport Law
Transport & Regulatory Law Solicitors » Coach & Bus Transport Industry » Health & Safety for Coach & Bus Operators
Health & Safety for Coach & Bus Operators
Faced with all the challenges that running a coach and bus transport operation involves, it is easy to put health and safety compliance to the bottom of the list, hoping against hope that you may never have to deal with a serious injury suffered (or caused) by someone who works for you.
It is all too easy to allow a health and safety policy (if indeed one exists) to become out of date, with the person originally made responsible for health and safety having long since left the business or having been moved to a different position within the organisation. If that sounds familiar then ask yourself;
- What health and safety issues are there in my operation?
- What rules must I comply with and how do I make sure that I comply fully with them both now and into the future?
- What is my health and safety policy?
- To what extent (if at all) is my health and safety policy recorded?
- Who is responsible for health and safety within the organisation?
- When was the health and safety policy last reviewed and with what result?
- Who needs to know about the operation’s health and safety policies?
- Has everyone who needs to know about health and safety received the necessary information?
- And critically, when did I last receive specialist advice on my health & safety systems and records, and am I sure that I am still up to date?
Health and safety regulatory compliance is a complex but nevertheless critical area for road transport operators. Obtaining the right advice on health and safety compliance before someone gets hurt is the best protection against regulatory action, including investigation by the HSE to say nothing of the risk of prosecution.
Pellys Transport & Regulatory Law can help you to steer your transport business through the deep waters of health and safety regulation to ensure that you have the correct processes and systems in place and and help make sure that your staff and those that you carry on your vehicles are safe. Contact us to discuss your health and safety compliance needs and one of our expert transport solicitors will be happy to help.
Latest Coach & Bus Industry News and Insight
Traffic Commissioner Highlights Abuse of Section-19 Permits
In a Section 19 Public Inquiry hearing heard last year (2023) the Traffic Commissioner highlighted again the importance of permit operators ensuring that their vehicles allow passengers and other road users to be safe.
by Emma PellyAre you Up To Date with the Guidance on Right to Work Checks?
In August 2023, it was announced that from 2024 the penalties imposed on employers who are found to be employing people who do not have a right to work in the UK would be tripled, in an effort to curb this “black-market” practice and raise the disincentives for people to come to the UK to live and work illegally.
by Emma PellyDriver CPC Reform: Department For Transport Publishes Consultation Findings
In early 2022 the Department of Transport (DfT) launched a consultation into the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) regime, following a review undertaken in late 2021 on the driver shortage issues.
by Emma PellyGovernment Publishes Review into Traffic Commissioner Function
During 2021 and 2022 the government ran a review into the Traffic Commissioner Function in the UK. The report into this review was published at the end of May 2023.
by Emma PellyPSVAR Review – Call for Evidence
Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Richard Holden has urged members of the coach and bus industry to respond to the government’s call for evidence (CfE) in a key review on the Public Services Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR) which were introduced in 2000.
by Emma PellySeat Belt Buckle Guards – How Safe Are They?
On 9th February 2023 the DVSA issued a “Daily Digest Bulletin” on the subject of seat belt buckle guards. A buckle guard is a component that is added to the standard seat belt equipment of a vehicle, in order to prevent the seat belt being released whilst the vehicle is in motion.
by Emma PellyFrequently Asked Question: I run a PSV under a Section 19 Permit – does it need to be PSVAR Compliant and do my Drivers need Driver CPC?
There is a specific exemption within the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR) which applies to vehicles used in accordance with Section 19 of the Transport Act 1985; in other words, those operated under a Section 19 permit: so PSVAR does not apply in these cases.
by Emma PellyDVSA Issue Revised Guidance on the Categorisation of Defects on Vehicles
This revision gives a total of 29 revisions to the various checks that DVSA officers would be expected to carry out during any roadside checks they undertake.
by Emma PellyDVLA – Accelerating Medical Fitness Applications
It is to be hoped that professional drivers will no longer have to endure weeks of waiting for their driving licences to be processed, as the Government has implemented changes to the Road Traffic Act 1988 (RTA) to allow a wider range of health care professionals to approve medical examinations.
by Emma PellyOffice of Traffic Commissioners Announces End to GV81 Paper Applications for Major Applications
The increasing digitisation of the working world has reached the Office of the Traffic Commissioner’s applications process, with the induction of digital applications about to be a requirement for all Major applications from 1st August 2022 onwards.
by Emma PellyChanges to Sentencing Rules for Dangerous Driving Offences – Life Sentences from 28th June 2022
Road traffic accidents can be difficult, traumatic experiences for all involved, especially if there is an accusation that the driver causing the accident was “under the influence” when the accident happened.
by Emma PellyPSVAR – Accessibility for Coaches – Further Extension to Vehicle Exemptions
The Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 2000, to give “PSVAR” its full name is a piece of legislation which prescribes accessibility requirements for public service vehicles, i.e coaches and buses etc.
by Emma PellyLatest Coach & Bus Industry News and Insight
Traffic Commissioner Highlights Abuse of Section-19 Permits
In a Section 19 Public Inquiry hearing heard last year (2023) the Traffic Commissioner highlighted again the importance of permit operators ensuring that their vehicles allow passengers and other road users to be safe.
by Emma PellyAre you Up To Date with the Guidance on Right to Work Checks?
In August 2023, it was announced that from 2024 the penalties imposed on employers who are found to be employing people who do not have a right to work in the UK would be tripled, in an effort to curb this “black-market” practice and raise the disincentives for people to come to the UK to live and work illegally.
by Emma PellyDriver CPC Reform: Department For Transport Publishes Consultation Findings
In early 2022 the Department of Transport (DfT) launched a consultation into the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) regime, following a review undertaken in late 2021 on the driver shortage issues.
by Emma PellyGovernment Publishes Review into Traffic Commissioner Function
During 2021 and 2022 the government ran a review into the Traffic Commissioner Function in the UK. The report into this review was published at the end of May 2023.
by Emma PellyPSVAR Review – Call for Evidence
Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Richard Holden has urged members of the coach and bus industry to respond to the government’s call for evidence (CfE) in a key review on the Public Services Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR) which were introduced in 2000.
by Emma PellySeat Belt Buckle Guards – How Safe Are They?
On 9th February 2023 the DVSA issued a “Daily Digest Bulletin” on the subject of seat belt buckle guards. A buckle guard is a component that is added to the standard seat belt equipment of a vehicle, in order to prevent the seat belt being released whilst the vehicle is in motion.
by Emma PellyFrequently Asked Question: I run a PSV under a Section 19 Permit – does it need to be PSVAR Compliant and do my Drivers need Driver CPC?
There is a specific exemption within the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR) which applies to vehicles used in accordance with Section 19 of the Transport Act 1985; in other words, those operated under a Section 19 permit: so PSVAR does not apply in these cases.
by Emma PellyDVSA Issue Revised Guidance on the Categorisation of Defects on Vehicles
This revision gives a total of 29 revisions to the various checks that DVSA officers would be expected to carry out during any roadside checks they undertake.
by Emma PellyDVLA – Accelerating Medical Fitness Applications
It is to be hoped that professional drivers will no longer have to endure weeks of waiting for their driving licences to be processed, as the Government has implemented changes to the Road Traffic Act 1988 (RTA) to allow a wider range of health care professionals to approve medical examinations.
by Emma PellyOffice of Traffic Commissioners Announces End to GV81 Paper Applications for Major Applications
The increasing digitisation of the working world has reached the Office of the Traffic Commissioner’s applications process, with the induction of digital applications about to be a requirement for all Major applications from 1st August 2022 onwards.
by Emma PellyChanges to Sentencing Rules for Dangerous Driving Offences – Life Sentences from 28th June 2022
Road traffic accidents can be difficult, traumatic experiences for all involved, especially if there is an accusation that the driver causing the accident was “under the influence” when the accident happened.
by Emma PellyPSVAR – Accessibility for Coaches – Further Extension to Vehicle Exemptions
The Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 2000, to give “PSVAR” its full name is a piece of legislation which prescribes accessibility requirements for public service vehicles, i.e coaches and buses etc.
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"An established practice with recognised strength in representing haulier and passenger clients on an array of regulatory proceedings. An impressive practice advising goods and passenger vehicle operators on the full range of road regulatory matters."
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"The firm has an incredible knowledge of transport and associated regulations. They are extremely knowledgeable."
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