With increased demands from the employer and their reliance on technology, members no longer carry just a toolkit and notepad but items such as a laptop computer and testing equipment that needs charging from time to time.

Coupled together with the employers demand for tighter deadlines and performance related demands, our members may be inclined to try and 'save time' and charge their laptops and electrical equipment loose in their moving vehicles. (e.g. the passenger seat or on the floor).

Whilst this may seem to be a quick and easy answer it can be fatally dangerous for you and for other road users. After investigating some recent accidents, part of the root causes have been down to storage of items within the cab & rear of the van.

Within BT there is a pending change to the current BT fleet vehicles to Vauxhall motors. Any equipment that is carried in these vehicles should have a place that is designed for it to be stored safely and securely. Some of the divisions are opting for a van person to change over the van stock and placing the items into their designed place for storage. This is liable to be checked by Line Managers at future Active Monitoring System (AMS), formerly Safety Management System (SMS) checks.

This is especially so in the cab or front of the vehicle as any loose item can become a missile in the event of sudden braking or manoeuvring, having the potential to maim or kill the driver or other people. Even something like a hardhat can become dangerous if left loose in the driver's compartment. Smaller items can become lodged under or between the pedals causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle, and this could cause you to have an accident thus endangering other road users.

If you have a secure box to store your laptop and/or electrical equipment in your vehicle then use this every time you get into your vehicle. If you do not have a secure box for any item then store it in the back or midsection where it cannot cause any harm to you or others in your vehicle.

If you need any more advice please contact your local branch office or USR alternatively the CWU's Health & Safety Department.