Back to list of news
When Ignorance Is Far From Bliss
In today’s busy work environment finding time to attend to tasks can sometimes prove difficult. Any employer knows, providing a safe working environment is a requirement of Occupational Health and Safety, and as such, failing in this duty of care can prove very costly.
No one needs to be reminded of the complexities and litigation, and no company needs to read the fine print of their insurance policy to know that cover does not extend to negligence. Many employers still disregard how at risk their survival is, and we are not talking lack of sales performance.
Employees driving any type of motor vehicle is a costly exercise for any business large and small. Motor vehicles are a tool of trade and therefore putting people behind the wheel without making them aware of the consequences of their actions could open create an issue of negligence.
It is no good adopting the attitude of “She’ll be right mate’ - business practices are now under very close scrutiny. New vehicles feature the latest in advanced technologies and if an employer does not offer risk management training to staff they have failed in their duty of care in providing a safe working environment.
Putting people behind the wheel without formalised training is a recipe for disaster. Having a drivers licence means the operator passed a test X number of years ago, but this has no bearing on the company’s responsibilities to ensure safe practices today.
Proactive organisations should look at having a formalised safe driving document in place and support this with either in-house driver awareness programs or external driver training courses. This way businesses will have the process in place to help their team drive to survive, which in return reduces risk.
Proactive organisations should look at having a formalised safe driving document in place and support this with either in-house driver awareness programs or external driver training courses. This way businesses will have the process in place to help their team drive to survive, which in return reduces risk.
For more information on safe driving visit the website www.drive-to-survive.com.au