Good eyesight on the road is important
Your drivers eyesight may not seem like an issue for you to worry about but there are a variety of information you should be made aware of.
Specsavers have handily set out a list of the 10 top items an employer must consider regarding employees who drive for work purposes:
- Employers have a responsibility
Ensuring eyesight is good enough for driving is not down to the individual alone. The HSE clearly states that health and safety laws apply to all aspects of work activities. - The risks are high
A third of all collisions involve someone driving for work purposes. This equates to 20 people killed and 220 seriously injured, every week, in collisions involving someone who was driving for work. RoSPA have even calculated that, after deep-sea fishing and coal mining, driving 25,000 miles a year on business is the third most dangerous activity in the UK! - There is only one way to be sure your drivers have adequate vision
Poor eyesight often occurs very gradually and can easily go unnoticed by the individual. The only way to be sure that vision is adequate for driving is to have a full eye examination on a regular basis. - Eye examinations are more than eyesight tests
A full eye examination can detect a huge range of ocular conditions, including cataract, glaucoma, retinal detachment, optic neuritis, ocular tumours. - Eyecare can have much wider health benefits
A full eye examination can help to monitor the whole body and detect systemic conditions, such as diabetes, raised blood pressure, high cholesterol and brain tumours. Eyecare can, therefore, be a big factor in preventative care. - Eyecare does not have to be expensive
Providing regular, company-funded, eyecare is the best way to ensure the employer meets their duty of care. Schemes can cover as few as five employees and cost as little as £17. - Eyecare can save the company money
Reductions in insurance premiums may be available for employers who implement an eyecare policy for drivers. Failing to provide eyecare can prove extremely costly in terms of uninsured losses such fines, sick pay, and increased premiums. - Frequency is not absolutely defined
It is a common misconception that eye tests should take place annually. Eye examinations should be undertaken at least every two years but there is no specific set frequency and the individual should be guided by their optician. - Communication is key
Once implemented an eyecare policy must be clearly communicated, so employees understand the required standards and the need to notify their employer of any changes in eyesight. Driver information packs and attention-grabbing posters are valuable resources. - Eyecare is a highly valued benefit
Research undertaken by Specsavers Corporate Eyecare in 2013 shows that 87% of employers believe eye tests are as important as other health checks, such as medicals and screening.
Driver Information Packs are available free from Specsavers Corporate Eyecare. These include information, statistics, legislation updates, recent news items and materials to engage employees.
