The benefits of a robust risk management policy are highlighted as a new survey suggests a number of fleets are not doing enough to protect their drivers.
Out of 162 fleet operators quizzed as part of a Kwik-Fit Fleet survey, 56 admitted they have never conducted a risk management analysis of their company car and van drivers.
Although the majority of respondents earn praise for carrying out checks on tyre pressure and tread and on oil and water levels, 66 said these were not part of their company policy.
Areas where fleets have done well include performing licence checks on employees who drive for business. Most ban the use of hand-held mobile phones and 33 also ban drivers from using hands-free phones.
But a number of fleets could do more to protect their companies from prosecution in the event of an accident involving one of their drivers, the survey found.
Kwik-Fit Fleet sales director Nigel Davies said: ‘Occupational road risk management has consistently featured as the number one fleet industry issue in recent years, yet our survey shows that in practice many fleets have much to do if they are to become safety champions.
‘Given the publicity managing occupational road risk has had in the last six years we expected our survey to expose few weaknesses in fleet policies and procedures. Yet that is far from the truth.’
Davies added: ‘Not only do businesses have a legal and moral responsibility to manage occupational health and safety, but there are case studies to show that companies which introduce best practice also make cost savings and improve performance.’
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