Road Traffic legislation has long held that the driver of a vehicle is responsible for its condition and is responsible for its use on the road. As an employer, you the Employer has general duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all employees and to safeguard others who may be at risk from its work activities. In addition, the Employer has specific duties under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations when work-related driving activities are undertaken.
Recent case law establishes that employers can be held responsible for the actions of drivers in their employment. Ultimately, it is not possible to be totally up to date with every employee’s circumstances, however, carrying out the checks detailed in this policy will provide a good defence should a serious incident occur. As with most employment-related issues, management needs to be proactive rather than relying on employees to ensure that their own documents are in order.
The policy will apply to anyone who drives on behalf of the Employer whether they are employed directly, indirectly or as a volunteer. The policy is both wide ranging and comprehensive and covers everyone from employees using their own private vehicle for the Employer business to employees operating dedicated works vehicles. This policy requires all those who drive during the course of their work to do so safely for the mutual benefit of all road users.
Responsibility
Employees have a responsibility to adhere to the policy and produce relevant documents.
Scope and reference
The question of managing vehicle, driver and travel safety is a highly complex matter. It involves a mix of detailed inter/national legislation and local policies, procedures and decisions that cut across the areas of responsibilities of several Employer services and departments. Driving Safely at Work Policy provides an initial point of reference
Employees will be introduced to the Drivers Handbook, Journey Planning, Hazard Awareness and
Defensive Driving Skills, along with any other company policy requested. Also if requested
In the Recruitment of Professional Drivers
Checks can be made with the candidate on their driving licence. Originals of any additional
certificates or training records that are relevant to the position should also be brought so
they can be checked.
Preparation for Interview
The candidate’s suitability for the post checks on
- the number of endorsements
- the type of endorsements
- spent disqualifications
- the extent to which there is any history of accidents where the candidate was
- held to be responsible.
- details of any secondary employment or outside interests, whether or not it
- involves driving, that might affect the ability to drive safely or meet driving
- regulations (for example working time and minimum rest).
The candidate’s training documents and/or driving licence should be checked to ensure that
they are valid and appropriate to the vehicle(s) to be used in the course of the job.
Driving Assessment A practical assessment of driving skills can be conducted.
Driver Attitude Assessment A questionnaire on Driver Attitude can be conducted.
