During the eleven weeks of lockdown measures in the UK, hauliers have been working tirelessly to deliver essential goods to people across the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. With specialist temperature-controlled vehicles, Fenwicks Haulage have been fulfilling vital food, PPE and pharmaceutical deliveries across the UK to help keep Britain running.
Throughout the pandemic, we've seen and heard rumours of hauliers across the UK being denied access to toilets at service stations and petrol garages. A BBC article highlighted that drivers were asked to remain in their cabs at distribution centres and rest stops to limit the spread of the virus.
Whilst we're all making a collective effort to halt the spread of COVID-19, drivers have a legal right to access hygiene facilities and any business that attempts to prevent such access are acting unlawfully. The Department for Transport and the Health and Safety Executive have written a letter addressed to hauliers, service station and petrol garage owners, highlighting the rights of drivers. Regulations 20 and 21 of theWorkplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulation 1992 state "that suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences and washing facilities shall be provided at readily accessible places and that hot and cold running water and soap must be available to use".
The letter also states that "HSE guidance states that drivers must have access to welfare facilities located in the premises they visit as part of their work. The responsibility in law to provide access rests with the person in control of the premises".
It's vital, at a time of increased pressure for all industries, that employees feel supported in their role and know their basic rights, especially the use of rest room facilities. At Fenwicks Haulage, we're doing our very best to limit the risk of the spread of the virus, whilst working closely with the community to deliver food, medicine and toiletries to those who really need it.
If you'd like to learn more about our dedicated food, pharmaceutical and temperature-controlled deliveries, visit ourwebsite or call us on 01302 728496.