Driving is the most dangerous work-related activity for a large amount of people. For employees not in highrisk industries such as construction or mining, using a vehicle for work—to pick up a client or attend off-site meetings—can be the most treacherous part of the day.
Employers are increasingly relying on employees using their own cars for business related transport practice known as occasional business use. But relying on employees to drive themselves under an occasional business use policy, without first ensuring they are safe and properly insured, could expose business owners to untold liability. As a business owner or manager, you could even be held responsible for injuries or damage sustained or caused by your employees driving for work.
Under health and safety law, employers owe the same duty of care to staff who drive their own vehicles for work as they do to employees who drive companyowned, leased or hired vehicles.
Impose periodic safety checks on employee vehicles used for work, and document checks to guarantee that employees are compliant with the law.