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 overload 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
12th April, 2019
