Taxi Driver Online

A study by the Health and Safety Laboratory into the risks for drivers whilst handling wheelchair bound customers can be read on Study into risks associated with loading/unloading wheelchairs and their occupants into taxis by the roadside

The bit that might concern drivers, and councils that license them, is the bit which states that if a kerb is a low one, then one in four WAV jobs is deemed high risk for the guys, and three out of four for the girls.

Alex

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So when drivers either pick up, or drop off, WAV customers to a place with either no kerb or a small one, then over a period of time your back will be [edited by admin].

Now most of us with brains knew this already, but at long last the boffins agree.

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IDFIMH

So what does it mean, do we have to wait till the boffins come up with the answer in 15 years time, or [edited by admin] em their only taxi drivers, let em get on with it, see the council don't take risks even when it comes to changing a light bulb

http://www.thisisyork.co.uk/york/news/Y ... OCAL6.html

I think reports like this help out drivers who refuse to do some WAV jobs. It also puts the onus on councils to make more accessible pick up points.

But as I have always said, if you think a job is going to do you harm, then don't do it. Works well for me.

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IDFIMH

most of the wav pickups are far from the ranks.
in streets and schools etc. They dont have any sort of kerbs. which is why most council vehicles have lifts not ramps.
its even worse in supermarkets because they dont have any kerbs full stop.
cant wait till some driver takes a council to court over this.
just hope his back isnt done in by then though.
i can assure everyone mine wont be.

so in an ideal world wheelchairs are all identical and all raspberries weigh the same ! and then somebody invented THE ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR which come in all sizes/weights with different wheels/handles,some without points to secure straps some with nice metal handles that can rub against plexi glass. in todays PC world somebody paid for this report, to say nothing in 30 pages,offend nobody and let skull leak it!

Is a council responsible, accountable and culpable for the knowledge they possess?


In other word if councils have this information and are fully informed who carries the can in the event of an accident?


Maybe someone should ask?

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All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.
George Orwell, "Animal Farm"

They will have to asess such information else they will be neglecting their 'duty of care'. They may think they dont' have one, but as a licensing authority they do.

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IDFIMH

Yes negligence, this is why we are writing to C.E.C asking them to accept responsibility in the event anyone is injured.

Once they have the knowledge as public representatives they are duty bound to act in the best interests of everyone concerned.

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All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.
George Orwell, "Animal Farm"

We've got a meeting with the HSE on the 24th January to discuss the Report.

If anyone has any questions you want asked just give me an email or pm.

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All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.
George Orwell, "Animal Farm"

Here's the good news. Any wheelchair customer over the weight of 6 stones presents a high risk to the driver, as confirmed by HSE.


Big Ben on the fastblacks did the sums and the HSE confirmed his calculations were correct.

Now you have a bench mark to work on remember one thing. Anything goes wrong and you don't have a leg to stand on.

Unless of course the customer is about 3 stones

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All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.
George Orwell, "Animal Farm"

Some interesting sites

http://www.dptac.gov.uk/door-to-door/04/04.htm

http://www.dptac.gov.uk/door-to-door/03/05.htm

http://www.dptac.gov.uk/taxis.htm

My council are sending those of us who wish to go, on a disability awareness course, eventually we will not be allowed council contracts for taking disabled without having been on this course.

You might want to ask them about the Health & Safety at Work Act and how it supersedes all other legislation including the Disability Discrimination Act?

By law and to protect the customer and yourself you must carry out a risk assessment.

Don't do it, something goes wrong, prepare to be sued.

Edinburgh City Council accepted my risk assessment and couldn't back peddle fast enough.

You don't need an exemption certificate only a Risk Assessment. If you want to do the job that's fine by me but know this, it is you who will carry the can in the event of an accident.

Keep a pair of binoculars handy you will need them to see your Taxi company or your LA disappearing over the hill screaming "it was all your fault"

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All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.
George Orwell, "Animal Farm"

Maybe a risk assesment is required for every fare you do?

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Former taxi driver