A newly updated version of the comprehensive Drivers Handbook is now available, bringing together good practice guidance in one place as part of MPA’s commitment to Vision Zero.
Driving and operating HGVs remains one of the most hazardous work activities undertaken across the industry. Road Traffic Accidents are one of the ‘Fatal 6’, with around a quarter of all lost-time incidents reported to MPA involving drivers — tragically including a number of fatalities.
Developed by the MPA Transport Committee, the Handbook has been designed as a practical reference tool to help drivers better understand, manage and reduce the risks associated with driving and operating vehicles for work.
Containing more than 150 pages of practical guidance, the Handbook supports safer decision-making and promotes positive driving behaviours. It outlines what is expected of drivers in relation to vehicle safety, journey planning and driving standards, while also providing guidance on emergency situations and practical steps to help prevent avoidable harm.
New features include:
- Mental Health & Wellbeing guidance
- Direct Vision Standard information
- Vehicle isolation and recovery procedures
- Defined minimum vehicle safety standards for different vehicle types
- Updated imagery and refreshed content throughout
Dave Hart, Chairman of the MPA Transport Group, said:
“I am delighted to share the updated MPA Drivers Handbook, which has been reviewed and refreshed by the MPA Transport Committee. Available in both hard copy and digital formats, the Handbook is designed to help drivers understand and manage the risks associated with driving and operating vehicles for work, while helping to prevent avoidable incidents and injuries.
“Driving and operating vehicles is one of the most hazardous activities we undertake. This Handbook provides practical guidance on what is required of drivers in terms of vehicle safety, journey planning and driving behaviours, and is intended to support member organisations’ policies and procedures.
“The refreshed edition includes new sections covering Mental Health & Wellbeing, Direct Vision Standards, vehicle isolation and recovery, as well as defined minimum vehicle safety standards for different vehicle types. I would also like to thank the MPA Transport Committee for their continued support in producing this important resource, which is integral to improving road safety across the industry.”
The Drivers Handbook can be ordered in hard copy and is available to download at https://mineralproducts.org/MPA/media/root/Publications/2026/MPA_Drivers_Handbook_2026.pdf
ENDS
For hard copy orders, please contact David Yelland at David.Yelland@mineralproducts.org.
About the Mineral Products Association:
The Mineral Products Association (MPA) is the trade association for the aggregates, asphalt, cement, concrete, dimension stone, lime, mortar and industrial sand industries. MPA is the sectoral voice for mineral products, covering 100% of GB cement and lime production, 90% of GB aggregates production, 95% of asphalt and over 60% of ready-mixed concrete and precast concrete production. In 2023, the industry supplied £18.4 billion worth of materials and services to the Economy, directly generating £6.7 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA). It is the largest supplier to the construction industry, which generated £141.5 billion in GVA in 2023.
For media enquiries, contact Robert McIlveen at: Robert.McIlveen@mineralproducts.org