Thank you for your request for information about the following:

Request

I am submitting this request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to obtain details about your workforce safety policies, particularly in relation to dealing with flooded roads and Ford Water Crossing

As Rufford Ford ( for example ) has now been closed due to safety concerns, I would like to request information regarding:

1) Workforce Policies on Water Crossings:

Does Field Staff have an official policy or guidelines regarding the use of water crossings ( RAMS ) for your employees?

If so, please provide copies of relevant policy documents, training materials, or risk assessments related to employees crossing fords or working in areas with water hazards.

2) Risk Assessments for crossing water in a vehicle.

Were any formal risk assessments conducted specifically for water crossings.

If available, please provide copies of such risk assessments, including those assessing potential hazards for field based staff.

3) Workforce Training & Safety Measures:

Are your employees, including maintenance or emergency response teams, given specific training on assessing the safety of water crossings?

If so, please provide details on what training is provided and any internal policies regarding vehicle use in flooded or hazardous conditions.

Were any concerns raised about NHS Drivers staff or contractors potentially being at risk while using the crossings.

The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) received your request on 1 March 2025.

We have handled your request under the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) 2004.

Our response

I am writing to advise you that following a search of our paper and electronic records, I have established that the NHSBSA hold no Risk Assessment for crossing a ford or water crossing for our sector of the business. Currently this is not something our staff require or are asked to do as part of their work day.

Publishing this response

Please note that this information will be published on our Freedom of Information disclosure log at:

https://opendata.nhsbsa.net/dataset/foi-02626

Your personal details will be removed from the published response.