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28th January 2021
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Blind spot awareness training is crucial, warns IOSH
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health is urging businesses to educate their fleet managers and at-work drivers about the risks of failing to check blind spots before carrying out a manoeuvre.
"It's vital that companies ensure their workers are fully aware of their responsibilities to act in a safe and shrewd manner every time they get behind the wheel," warns IOSH senior policy & technical adviser Phil Bates.
"This means grasping the importance of blind spots, as 75% of collisions reported in Britain each year take place at or near junctions, where motorists may have had their vision obscured.
"Addressing and managing the hazards caused by blind spots - and making certain drivers are manoeuvring with attention to detail, is crucial."
In order for fleets to lower the risk of their drivers being involved in crashes with susceptible road users, there are a range of technologies that are now on hand to help accomplish this goal.
They include the use of in-car CCTVs to give drivers a 360-degree view around their vehicle, as well as wide angle and blind spot mirrors, automatic side mirrors that move to also cover blind spots when turning, and rear, front and side sensors to sense surrounding obstacles.
IOSH is the Chartered body for health & safety professionals. With around 44,000 members in 100 countries, it's the world's largest professional health & safety organisation.
25th July 2014