Hand washing facilities for van and truck drivers – an employer’s responsibility

Clean hands before eating are essential – for everyone!

HSE Guidance Driving for work states that employers have a responsibility “so far as reasonably practicable” to safeguard “the health and safety of their employees and others who may be affected by their work activities.”

“This includes the activity of driving on public roads.”

And it is most certainly “reasonably practicable” to provide hand washing facilities on all motor vehicles – including vans and trucks.

With drivers being out and about, they face a constant need to be able to wash their hands effectively – not least before eating. This is one of the most important welfare considerations for employers with a mobile workforce.

Don’t think that motor vehicles are exempt from Guidance

HSE Guidance Have the right workplace facilities: 3. Toilets and washing facilities states that employers have to provide, amongst other things, washbasins with running water and paper towels for drying hands.

“Using public toilets and washing facilities should be a last resort” says the guidance. A last resort that “would not be acceptable if it is possible to provide facilities on-site”, which is why installing hand wash units on or inside the vehicle would help with necessary compliance.

Wash hands before returning to the cab

Here’s a sobering thought regarding the simple act of refuelling a vehicle…

The Safety and Health Magazine website ran a report Handwashing 101 for truck drivers revealed that

“Most pump handles contain 11,000 times more germs than a toilet seat in a public restroom.”

And the keypad on the pump, according to the article, would “typically have 15,000 times more germs than a public toilet seat.”

That says it all really. Washing hands after refuelling upon reentering the vehicle would make those sandwiches a lot more appealing…