Despite strong business growth that has resulted in the company fleet doubling in the last five years to almost 6,400 vehicles, MITIE has retained a top quartile road incident ratio within its fleet benchmarking peer group.

The company's work-related road safety strategy is championed by chief executive Ruby McGregor-Smith, who said: 'We are delighted that our initiatives to provide a safe working environment for all of our drivers has been recognised by the campaign.

'We see achieving high standards of health and safety performance as a part of good overall management. Health and safety, which includes fleet risk management, is the first agenda item at every board meeting. This makes sure that we formally review our risks, control programmes and performance.

'Our board and management view the safety of our employees as paramount. Fleet risk has a major focus as it is our most significant risk. Looking after our people in whatever work they undertake for MITIE makes good business sense.'

It is estimated that across the UK there up to 150 road deaths and serious injuries a week resulting from crashes involving at work drivers, and more employees are killed and seriously injured on Britain's roads while driving on behalf of their employer than in any other work-related activity.

Bristol-based MITIE's fleet includes more than 3,500 light commercial vehicles, almost 2,300 company cars and 31 HGVs, with a further 600 employees driving their own cars on business. Last year it completed a root and branch review of occupational road risk policies and procedures, which resulted in the establishment of a Fleet Risk Management Steering Group, supported by the executive board. Since then a number of initiatives have been implemented including the publication of the firm’s first drivers’ handbook setting out the CEO’s expectation and requirements for all employees driving on MITIE business.

RoadSafe campaign director Caroline Turner said: 'MITIE has made huge strides to raise awareness of the importance of safe driving across its rapidly expanding business.

'The company has recognised that implementing a comprehensive road risk management strategy has multiple spin-offs. In addition to improving its duty of care towards its employees, it is recording financial savings as a result of fewer accidents, improved vehicle MPG and lower maintenance costs.'