Understanding Duty of Care for Fleet Managers and Company Car Drivers
In today’s complex business environment, fleet managers and company car drivers hold a responsibility known as “duty of care,” which involves ensuring the safety and wellbeing of employees while driving for work.
Whether you manage a fleet of vehicles or drive a company car, understanding and adhering to your duty of care responsibilities is crucial for legal compliance and the safety of all involved. Let’s break down what duty of care means in the context of fleet management, why it’s important, and what practical steps you can take to fulfil this duty effectively.
What is Duty of Care?
The legal concept of duty of care applies in many areas of life, but when talking about fleet management and company car driving, it refers to the responsibility an employer has to protect employees while they are driving for work purposes. This duty means ensuring that both the vehicle and the driver are safe and fit for the task at hand.
What Does Duty of Care for Fleet Managers Entail?
For fleet managers, duty of care means taking reasonable steps to minimise risks, such as regular vehicle maintenance, driver training and so on. For drivers, it means following safe driving practices, reporting any issues with the vehicle, and following company policies regarding road safety.
As a fleet manager, there are some key responsibilities you must take to ensure you meet your duty of care obligations:
- Vehicle Maintenance
All vehicles should be maintained regularly according to manufacturer recommendations. This includes routine checks of tyres, brakes, lights, fluid levels, and other critical systems to ensure that vehicles remain roadworthy and safe to drive. Keeping a record of all maintenance and repairs will help demonstrate that you are meeting your obligations.
- Driver Training
Regular driver training is crucial to ensure employees are aware of safe driving practices, road safety laws, and how to handle a vehicle under various conditions. This training should also cover company policies on driving, such as speed limits, alcohol consumption, and mobile phone use.
- Driving Hours and Fatigue Management
Fatigue can be just as dangerous as impaired driving. Fleet managers should monitor driving hours and ensure that drivers are taking regular breaks, especially for long-distance journeys. Encourage a culture where employees are not penalised for taking the necessary time to rest.
- Risk Assessment
Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards in your fleet operation. This might include assessing routes for potential traffic hazards, monitoring driver behaviour, and identifying areas where additional safety measures may be required (such as driver assistance technology or specific training on handling hazardous conditions).
- Insurance
Ensure that your fleet is adequately insured. Comprehensive insurance policies should cover accidents, damage to vehicles, and injury to drivers or third parties. A robust insurance plan can help mitigate the financial consequences of incidents while ensuring drivers have the support they need in case of an accident.
- Compliance with Laws and Regulations
Fleet managers must stay up to date with relevant laws and regulations, including vehicle standards, road safety rules, and employee welfare legislation. Failing to comply can result in legal issues and expose the company to potential liability.
How can Autoserve help?
By selecting Duty of Care as part of your Fleet Package with Autoserve, you can be confident that you are meeting your compliance responsibilities and that your vehicles and drivers are safe to operate on behalf of your business. To find out more about the service we provide, please click here.