Fleet industry updates, info and tips
Do You have a Driving for work policy?
The law says all companies must have policies and procedures to minimise risk – and that includes the recognised risks around driving.
What is a driving for work policy?
A driving for work policy is how your organisation can demonstrate its commitment to minimising road risk. The law says that every business must have a policy for managing health and safety.
Aim of the policy.
To reduce vehicle incident and at-fault work related road collision costs and injuries by promoting a safe driving culture within the
organisation.
Objectives of the policy.
1. To make drivers aware of the main risks they face or create when driving for work.
2. To make sure that employees who drive vehicles in the course of their work demonstrate safe, efficient driving skills and other good road safety habits at all times.
3. To maintain all company vehicles in a safe, clean and roadworthy condition to ensure the maximum safety of the drivers, occupants and other road users, and reduce the impacts of company vehicles on the environment – this also applies to personal vehicles used for work purposes.
Roadside stops.
As a commercial operator, you might be asked to stop by the police or a Driver and Vehicle Agency. They can stop vans, lorries, buses and coaches.
The police and DVA have the power to carry out spot checks on your vehicle and issue prohibitions if necessary. A prohibition prevents you from driving until you get a problem with your vehicle fixed.
Police and DVSA examiners can also issue a fine if you commit an offence. Some fines may vary
depending on the circumstances and seriousness of the offence.
What happens when you’re stopped
The checks are carried out either at the roadside or at dedicated testing sites. The checks are used to keep unsafe vehicles off the road.
The examiner checks that the vehicle is not breaking any rules and regulations. This includes:
- checking authorised load weights and type of load permitted
- checking vehicles for roadworthiness and mechanical faults
- looking at your tachograph records
- making sure you have a valid vocational driving licence
The vehicle you drive could be impounded if your operator does not have a valid licence.
Vehicle inspections and maintenance:
Regular inspections and preventive maintenance are key to ensuring your vehicles are safe and operational. Periodic inspections are a legal requirement, but it's also good practice to perform additional checks and servicing, as needed.
Driver licensing and training:
All drivers must hold valid licenses for the types of vehicles they operate. They should also receive ongoing training to ensure they understand and adhere to driving laws and best practices.
Record keeping:
Detailed records must be kept for various aspects of fleet management, including vehicle usage, maintenance, accidents, and driver training.
Risk management:
Effective risk management is a legal requirement. This can involve identifying potential hazards, implementing measures to mitigate risks, and having plans in place to respond to incidents.
Duty of care:
As someone responsible for managing a fleet, you have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure the health and safety of your drivers. This includes not only maintaining vehicles and providing training, but also considering factors such as driver workload and stress.