Brilliant response from local paper

[downfader]

Got another email from another dept on this, it seems they are getting quotes of hiviz tops... I kind of pointed them in the direction of item 60 (IIRC) of the highway code about cyclists and lights, as she said they were sending out a newsletter

Gave a few more cheaky recomendations too.

 

[mikeitup]

I didn't think the HSE's remit extended to road use?

This is from the HSE site:

The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 requires employers to take appropriate steps to ensure the health and safety of their employees and others who may be affected by their activities when at work. This includes the time when they are driving, or riding at work, whether this is in a company or hired vehicle, or in the employees own vehicle.

 

[BentMikey]

I'm pretty sure I came across posts on urc where the HSE specifically excluded idiot driving by construction vehicles on the public highway when they/their company were complained about as not part of their remit.

 

[killiekosmos]

Most councils will have bye-laws about employing under 16s. The employers have a duty of care and should (IMHO) take steps to ensure kids are working safely.

On a building site you would expect employer to provide PPE (Personal protection equipment) so should newsagent not ensure bike has lights etc?

 

[HF2300]

I'm pretty sure I came across posts on urc where the HSE specifically excluded idiot driving by construction vehicles on the public highway when they/their company were complained about as not part of their remit.

Mikey, I can't find the references now, but I went into this at work when they were going to take up the cycle to work scheme.

The long and the short of it, as I understand it, is that you're right as regards general RTAs and road policing - they feel that's up to the coppers - but that they also feel employers should be looking after their employees while on company business, which after all a paperboy is.

Let's not get too carried away about this though. I don't imagine the full majesty of the law is going to come down on a newsagent if his paperboy gets pulled for no lights, but as I say, it doesn't seem unreasonable for a guy who, after all, is making money out of the paperboy, to make some effort to make sure he's safe, even if it only extends to telling him / her to get some lights.