Malcolm Noyle for Lloyds TSB autolease, calls for a bespoke approach to managing driver and fleet safety.
Health and safety is now an enormous issue for all businesses, HR professionals and UK fleets. Businesses should be taking all the necessary steps to protect their workforce. Over the past twelve months, the Government has started to introduce a regulatory framework within which every single company must now operate. No business can or should avoid its far-reaching implications.
As with most regulatory issues, those responsible for abiding by the rules are often frustrated at the lack of clarity held within them. This is precisely the area where any responsible fleet management and funding company should be working to help companies meet the necessary guidelines.
Every fleet is entirely unique. The funding methods differ, as do the vehicles, HR considerations and driver requirements. Every business needs to examine its fleet before any decisions are taken on how best to ensure the safety of its employees.
In essence much of it is very straightforward. Running a safe fleet requires good record keeping and a good understanding of how the vehicles are used. So before rushing to introduce lengthy policy documents or driver training across the whole company, get your fleet manager to take the time to record such things as fuel consumption, accident rates, injuries, accident costs and mileage. All of this should help pinpoint exceptional behaviour amongst your drivers.
Managing the exceptions will improve safety records and reduce your overall costs. As a rough guide, every accident costs at least ten times the vehicle repair bill once you take into account lost working hours and contracts. Finding the drivers who are more accident-prone and working with them to help improve their driving ability should help produce cost-effective results.
The introduction of any policies for health and safety on the fleet should be made in a positive manner and the commitment must start from senior management level. It is essential to have the senior managers supporting a programme of safer driving. As most people consider themselves to be a safe and competent driver, sending everyone on driver training may not be seen in a positive light. Instead consider using strategic safety management methods.
Writing down a health and safety policy and ensuring everyone truly understands what is required is vital. The policy needs to clearly state the responsibility of your drivers and line management, it should cover issues including: speeding, mobile phone use, excess hours and drugs and alcohol.
It is also important to run licence checks on all employees at least twice every year to ensure everyone is still driving legally. Health issues should also be monitored to ensure drivers aren’t placing themselves at risk. As well as asking about prescription drugs and medical conditions, put in place policies to record drivers taking over-the-counter medicines, many can have an effect on driving and see the driver falling foul of drug driving laws. It is also essential to verify good eyesight. It is estimated that two million motorists have defective eyesight and yet just one third of fleets have procedures to check driver eyesight on a regular basis.
With health issues and driving licences, it is essential that the companies employees know it is their responsibility to inform the HR Department or fleet manager/fleet management company of any significant change in circumstances. This requirement should be part of the employment contract and the company car policy.
As well as driver competence and awareness, the vehicles themselves also need to be roadworthy. All drivers should be aware that they are not only responsible for getting the vehicles serviced at regular intervals, but also need to make weekly checks on oil levels, washer fluid and tyres. Well-maintained vehicles, and better driving techniques with a reduced risk of accidents, will help to cut the overall cost of running the fleet. Line managers should also be made aware of their responsibilities in managing this area as well.
These are just a handful of tips we are offering fleet managers and Human Resources professionals. Every fleet manager should be doing positive things, so sharing ideas and best practice is important. What is certain though is that every business needs its own policy based on a deep understanding of the fleet and its drivers.
Employers are clearly responsible for ensuring high standards of the health & safety and welfare of all employees using vehicles on behalf of their company.
