When spring begins to approach, many people take out their bikes – even at work. But don’t forget that the employer has a responsibility for the employees’ working environment even on the bike. Here are 9 good tips that will help you ensure that cycling is safe. There are many different professional groups that use the bicycle in the service – for example home care, home health care, social services and technical administration.
It’s good to cycle. It provides physical activity with good health effects, and it is a smart and sustainable way to move. But there is a challenge here, in terms of traffic safety. Many people are seriously injured in traffic, and cycling is a big part of that, she continues. According to a study carried out by the researcher there were 753 people in home care and personal assistance who were injured when they cycled in the service from 2018 to 2022. And then this only applies to the injuries reported to the work environment agency, so the dark figure is likely to be large.
In other words, employers who have cycling employees think about road safety. Cycling during working hours is part of the work environment, and must be included in the systematic work environment work. Traffic safety risks must be dealt with continuously in everyday life, together with all other risks. But since cycling is not part of the core business, it can be forgotten. That’s what subject area and regulations manager at the work environment agency says.
Things that can make cycling more dangerous are lack of time and tight schedules, he believes. If you experience stress, you may drive too fast, take unnecessary shortcuts, load incorrectly and neglect to adjust the saddle correctly. All employees who cycle for work should have access to a bicycle that fits them in terms of size. Make sure employees have personal helmets so they don’t have to share – otherwise there’s a risk the helmets won’t be used.
Make sure there are routines in place to maintain and service the bikes regularly. Make sure, for example, that the brakes work, that the saddle fits well, that the chain is not loose and that the lights and reflectors work. Assess the risk of cycling on an ongoing basis, not least in winter. If it is extremely slippery, it may not be time to cycle that day. Change to winter tires if the bike is to be used during the winter months. Ensure that employees do not need (or feel pressured to) use the phone while travelling.
Have road safety guidelines and make sure all employees know what is written there. Make them concrete, for example how to load the bike correctly. Ensure that employees receive training . It can be about training in how to use an electric bike, how to load the bike correctly or how to adjust the saddle. The employees should be given time to adjust the bike’s fit before starting the day’s work shift.
