Did you know you’re responsible for the safety of your employees even when they drive their own vehicle for any work-related reason?
Understanding your responsibilities is vital. Driving can be one of the most dangerous things your employees do. The home healthcare and services sector is one of the sectors in B.C. with the most work-related crashes. And vehicle crashes are the leading cause of workplace traumatic death in B.C.
Road Safety at Work’s tools and resources can help you reduce the risk for your employees. Here are some things you need to know about use of personal vehicles for work.
You likely employ work drivers
Job titles don’t matter. Anyone in your organization who drives as part of their job – even if it’s only for a few minutes once in a while – is a work driver. The list can include care workers who travel to clients, office staff who pick up supplies, administrators who drive to conduct in-home assessments, etc.
You’re responsible for their safety
Vehicles used for work purposes in B.C. are workplaces, regardless of who owns them. This means that when employees use their personal vehicles for work, you’re still responsible for their safety.
Start by identifying hazards your employees could face when driving any vehicle – including their own – for work. Road and weather conditions can create risk for them. They could be fatigued after a demanding day. They may have to take unfamiliar routes. To get a thorough understanding of driving hazards, ask your employees for input.
Then evaluate the risk of each hazard and take steps to eliminate or reduce the risk.
You can use these steps to road safety
Using best road safety practices can help keep your employees safe and help you meet your legal responsibilities. Road Safety at Work recommends you take the following steps:
- Create an employee use of personal vehicles policy. Ensure your staff know its purpose is to keep them safe
- Ask employees for records showing the vehicle is appropriately insured, inspected, and maintained
- Use our Driving Qualifications Tool Kit to learn how to confirm the employee has a valid driver’s licence and a clean driver’s abstract, as well as the necessary driving skills to safely operate their vehicle as required for work
- Use our Explaining Work-Related Driving Responsibilities tailgate meeting guide and our tips for employees who drive to help educate drivers
Find more resources and information at RoadSafetyAtWork.ca
