There are strict regulations on driving and rest times for workers who drive trucks. But what about employees who also have to drive frequently or for long periods of time for their jobs, but in something other than a truck? Are they also covered by the provisions for driving and rest periods? 

Not all workers whose jobs regularly require them to drive around for long periods of time do so by truck. For example, sales representatives, telecom technicians, installers, or delivery drivers are also often on the road. Do they also have regulations around regular breaks?

The Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport imposes some strict regulations for truck drivers around driving and rest periods. But these are only applicable to those who drive a truck. So, as an employer, you are not obliged to follow these regulations when your employees have to use another vehicle on the road for work. Still, you can’t just ignore the potential risks.

Indeed, these workers are subject to the Codex on well-being at work, which shows that risk assessment is required for certain jobs.

Art. III.1-60. – Where the risk analysis shows that it is necessary for workers to take rest breaks for certain jobs, or where it appears from the application of specific provisions of the Codex, the employer shall make a rest area available to them.

Read the frequently asked questions around preparing a risk analysis here.

When you prepare the job-specific risk analysis, you can take into account the rules for truck drivers, though:

• A single person’s driving time may not exceed four and a half hours. Thereafter, the driver must take a continuous break of at least 45 minutes.
  ! A driver’s reaction time is 50% slower on average after four hours of continuous driving.
• The driver may not drive or perform other professional duties during their break periods. This period is only for resting.
• The continuous break may also be replaced by a break of at least 15 minutes, followed by a break of at least 30 minutes. The two breaks must be interspersed in such a way that a break of at least 45 minutes is taken after a driving time of 4.5 hours.

Also pay extra attention to awareness-raising around drowsiness behind the wheel. Despite being a major risk in traffic, there are no rules or legislation around this. Still, you can give some tips to your drivers:

• Pause for 15 minutes every 2 hours.
• Stay cool in the car; heat makes you sleepy.
• If possible, alternate drivers.
• Set aside in time for a 15-20-minute power nap.
• Don’t be rushed by an arrival time: safety is more important than punctuality.
• Ergonomics behind the wheel is also important. Share our video on tips for exercising behind the wheel.

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