Employer's obligation to protect staff

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launch a campaign to make firms aware that they are as much reasonable for employees when they are not on the premise, as when they are. Figures released by the Government suggest that there are over 250 incidents a week that involve serous accidents while employees are on duty, 20 of the 250 incidents are fatal.

According to the HSE many firms believe that they are taking care of employees, by meeting the minimum requirements, such as ensuring the company vehicles are fully MOT and tax. Although meeting the minimum requirements is not against the law, it is not enough; companies should go beyond the call of duty to ensure employees are safe at all times.

Car insurance brokers such as ourselves has played a major role in rising awareness to our members who own companies that have large fleets of vehicles. Sadly research has shown that too many companies are oblivious to the obligation the company has to its staff.

It is essential for companies to carry out risk assessment exercises. This will enable them to keep tabs on any changes in the law and filter out potential problem that may arise.

Firms should remember that even if an employee is in their own car and they are involved an accident caused by the poor maintenance of the vehicle, the company could be held libel, as the car was being used for the financial gain of the company.

It is important that companies do not to just stop at the minimum checks, such as 'is the car roadworthy?' The vehicle used should suit the job it is being used for. In some cases the vehicle should have a first aid kit available at all times.

Employees that spend a lot of time driving should have regular eye tests to ensure 20:20 vision. Going the extra mile to ensure staff safety, can prevent your company from having to pay thousands in compensation.

The HSE recognize that accidents will happen, but it is the employers' job to take every available precaution to ensure the employees safety.