New research suggests that a significant amount of fleet managers don’t understand their duty of care obligations…

Duty of Care Gaps

Research conducted by Alphabet GB suggests that many fleet decision-makers don’t understand their duty of care obligations. Indeed, 33% of fleet managers have little, or no, knowledge of their responsibilities towards employees who drive for work-related purposes. Just 45% of them consider themselves to be ‘very knowledgeable’ on the subject. Disturbingly, 4% don’t have a driver policy in place and 15% haven’t reviewed their policy in the last 12 months.

Under employment law, all businesses have a responsibility towards their drivers and members of the public. Vehicles need to be properly maintained and serviced. Drivers need to be insured and possess a valid driving license. In some cases, specific forms of training also need to be offered. If a business falls short, and a collision takes place, the employer is just as liable as the driver.

‘It’s Critical’ 

Gavin Davies, General Manager, Customer Account Management at Alphabet, commented on the duty of care knowledge gap. He said, “if a business requires its employees to use vehicles for work, it’s critical fleet managers, drivers, and the wider organisation, understand and mitigate the risks associated with occupational driving. Driver risk must be correctly managed to ensure duty of care and legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Road Traffic Act 1988, and the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 are met”.

He continued, “however, our research shows there are some vital gaps when it comes to understanding and meeting duty of care responsibilities when employees are driving on company business. Far too many employers are still unaware that they retain responsibility for their employees’ safety and conduct when they’re travelling for work purposes. Even if they’re using their own car”.

Davies concluded, “this is particularly concerning given the increase in private vehicle use that 43% of fleets managers have observed since the pandemic. As these vehicles are often older, not as regularly maintained, and much easier to overlook than company vehicles. It’s clear fleet managers need to prioritise risk management. Whether that’s seeking external advice or bringing in an experienced partner to manage the full process for them”.

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