Whether driving for work or over seeing employees on the road we have some guidelines you need to follow writes Suzanne Keane For Employees – Always follow the rules of the road Double check with your employer that you’re insured to drive the vehicle Make sure you have the correct licence for the vehicle type Check that the vehicle is taxed and has the correct NCT/DOE certification (if applicable) Check tyres and fluids before setting off – if you’re not happy with anything make sure to raise this with your manager and don’t drive anywhere! Load – if you feel the vehicle is overladen REFUSE to drive it until the load has been checked! Before setting off make sure any stock you’re carrying is securely fastened and won’t move during the journey. If you’re using your own vehicle for work make sure that your private insurance will cover it Mileage/Expenses – remember that any mileage costs paid should allow for wear & tear on your own car as well as a portion of tax/insurance and not just cover fuel costs!   For Employers – Make sure you check out an employee’s licence before handing over the keys to a company vehicle Ensure the company vehicle you’re providing is adequate for the job Keep vehicles regularly maintained Provide each employee with a safety checklist to carry out on the vehicle periodically Training – it may be worthwhile sending employees who drive regularly on an advanced driving course Risk Assessment – Create a safety document to cover all driving activities. Overloading – don’t over load vehicles! Time – Don’t create impossible time frames which can in turn encourage dangerous driving! Breaks – encourage employees who are driving to take regular coffee breaks All of the above should apply even when an employee is using their own car for work related driving! Suzanne Keane 17th May, 2018  ...