In workplaces where driving is secondary to the main role (for example, disability support workers who drive to clients’ homes), the risks associated with work-related driving can be overlooked.
WorkSafe have updated their guidance for employers on how to plan for the health and safety of employees and other people who perform work-related driving.
The updated guidance reminds employers of their duty to consult with health and safety representatives, if any, and employees affected or who are likely to be affected by an employer planning for work-related driving.
Ensuring safety in work-related driving begins with selecting safe and appropriate vehicles. A clear understanding of the various tasks the vehicle needs to perform and the environment in which the vehicle will be operated, enables a selection process that keeps safety at front of mind. Included in the guidance are links to the TAC’s How Safe Is Your Car tool, and the Australasian new car assessment program (ANCAP) framework that can be used to assess elements of vehicle safety.
General safety measure guidance for all vehicles is covered, including –
- ensure the safety of modifications needed to fit out the vehicle include obtaining verification by a competent person where applicable
- select a highly visible car colour to improve the vehicles visibility for others
- use all-wheel drive (AWD) for vehicles that could be, or are to be used in adverse conditions or on unsealed roads, and use 4WD for off road applications where low range is required
- provide first aid kits and consider providing a fire blanket and an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), if using the vehicle in remote areas
- fit cargo barriers to separate cargo from the occupants — ensure they meet AS/NZS 4034 – Motor vehicles – Cargo barriers for occupant protection requirements
- do not fit a bull bar to vehicles. Testing has shown a bull bar to endanger pedestrians and compromise a vehicle’s cabin in a collision.
Once the vehicle has been selected, it is important that a robust safe system of work is established, including a preventative maintenance and inspection program to ensure service recommendations are met and roadworthiness maintained.
Where driving is a part of an employee’s work, employers must ensure that drivers are appropriately licenced and competent to drive. Induction training for all new employees that are required to perform work-related driving should include:
- legal requirements, such as road rules
- the organisations driver and vehicle safety policies and procedures
- the organisations requirements such as pre-start checklists and incident reports
- policies to be applied where drivers breach safety rules
- understanding the causes and effects of fatigue
- understanding road conditions and driving precautions
- what to do in the case of an incident or emergency
- record keeping
- provision of a supervised driving period to verify competency.
This type of training should also be undertaken periodically as a 'refresher' to all employees who undertake work-related driving.
For all work-related driving planning should be undertaken to minimise risk and to ensure the following –
- sufficient time allocated to account for common delays, such as traffic and weather conditions, and road rules — employees should take the safest route available to reach their destination
- plan trips to avoid driving at night where risk of fatigue, reduced visibility and possibility of wildlife on roads is increased
- consider ride sharing or using other methods of transport, such as public transport
- consider safe handling and storage of luggage and equipment
- have plans in place on how to respond to an emergency
- plan trips to manage fatigue to ensure the driving and break periods can be complied with, particularly when driving heavy vehicles
- have systems in place to alert the driver of any issued warnings such as bushfires and other emergencies before the journey.
- develop work-related driving safety policies.
Read more: Planning for safe work-related driving | WorkSafe Victoria