The issue of staff safely using their own cars on business can be a tricky one for a small business. National’s Frank Reynolds has some suggestions for limiting liability. We conducted a survey recently.
It that found 37% of small businesses offered cash instead of a car to their employees.
However, those small businesses did not conduct regular checks on the private cars used for business.
A vehicle used for business is regarded as a place of work.
It is therefore subject to all the same health and safety legislation as the workplace.
This is a major challenge for small businesses that often don’t have the time or resource to devote to managing staff transportation needs.
This may inadvertently put their employees at greater risk of an accident when travelling on business.
We’ve produced a list of top tips for small businesses to help them manage road transport for staff (see below).
Key to this is using vehicle rental. Whether cars or vans, with vehicle rental small businesses can rest assured that staff are driving safe and reliable vehicles exactly suited for the journey or task in hand and covered by roadside assistance.
It also means no long-term financial commitment, giving small businesses the flexibility to use vehicles when they are needed.
Top tips for managing staff safety
- Read the HSE Booklet Driving at Work
- Create a written road safety policy
- Produce a safe driving culture throughout the company
- Monitor all drivers’ working hours including travelling times
- Check an employee’s driving licence regularly
- Assess the driving capabilities of new staff
- Get staff to use rental rather than own vehicles on business
- Use daily rental to add to your fleet at times of high demand
Further information
- Go to our Advice Centre for a free Duty of Care download.
