Paul Beasley posted on
November 30, 2009 15:52
Employers have a wide ranging duty of care to its employees who use vehicles on company business. This is regardless of the size of the fleet and still applies if you pay a car allowance rather than supplying a company vehicle and allow an employee to use their own vehicle for business. The employer is also “vicariously liable” for the acts of his employees and has a duty to the public who may be affected by his work activities. This risk needs to be managed appropriately.
Risk management is all about common sense and there are three key areas to focus on:
Driver – ensure adequate training, monitoring and reporting
Vehicle – ensure suitability, maintenance and security
Journey – manage speed, type and plan well
The criminal offence of corporate manslaughter is now on the statute books and a road traffic accident could be an easy way of making an example.
Follow these key action points:
• Carry out a risk assessment
• Produce a health and safety policy and management procedures to monitor
• Check all licences at least annually
• Ensure proper maintenance and servicing and keep a record
• Issue a “rules of the road” to set standards expected of employees
• Regular training of drivers and refreshers
• Ensure drivers of private vehicles have insurance for business use
• Issue an accident handbook
• Keep copious records of all the above
If you would like assistance with your risk management plan, give us a call.
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