Safety pledges for business drivers

Fleet operators could be at risk of facing compensation claims running into thousands of pounds unless they provide gloves for drivers to use when filling up with diesel.

The warnings follow a recent court case that resulted in a company being ordered to pay £1,800 to a driver who was injured as he filled his work van with diesel at his employer’s premises.

Dawson Holdings was ordered to pay William Smith from Bournemouth the money after he was injured filling the tank using a hand-held nozzle.

Whilst filling up, diesel blew back from the tank of the van and went directly on to Mr Smith’s hands. As a result of the incident, he suffered from irritant contact dermatitis.

The fuel pump did not have a protective guard and Mr Smith was not provided with gloves to protect his hands.

David Faithful from Lyons Davidson solicitors said that, on considering the evidence, the court found that there must have been a duty upon the employer to protect from this risk and provide gloves for use when filling tanks.

He said it would clearly be sensible in light of this decision for fleets to advise their drivers to use gloves when filling up with diesel wherever they are, if they do not already do so.