Personal vehicles and workplace responsibility?
Vehicles that are used for work purposes (either onsite or in road traffic), become a workplace and the risks associated with them must be managed.
The risks are real, given Safe Work Australia reported that vehicle collisions were the cause of 32% of Australian worker fatalities in 2016-17.
When personal vehicles are used for work purposes these fall into the category known as 'Greyfleet'. Strictly speaking, Greyfleet is a term used for any vehicle used for work-related purposes which is not directly provided for by the organisation that employs the driver. Greyfleet includes personal vehicles, client vehicles, and all forms of leases, whether or not workers are reimbursed for expenses. WHS law applies to all Greyfleet vehicles.
Regardless of the owner of the vehicle, a key question to ask is whether the driver has any medical conditions or uses medication what could impact their ability to drive safely.
Assessing medical fitness to drive should be undertaken by an independent medical specialist. An Occupational and Environmental Physician is trained in reviewing function and risk to provide practical advice in managing such a scenario.
WorkSafe Queensland has released new guides covering Vehicles As A Workplace:
- Vehicles as a workplace - Work health and safety guide
- Vehicles as a workplace info sheet - Tradespeople
- Vehicles as a workplace info sheet - Residential care
- Vehicles as a workplace info sheet - Rural workers
- Vehicles as a workplace info sheet - Government fleets
- Vehicles as a workplace info sheet - Small transport
- Vehicles as a workplace info sheet - Greyfleet
- Vehicles as a workplace info sheet - Risks, hazards and management
- Vehicles as a workplace checklist - Greyfleet
For specialist advice on understanding your risk and developing an appropriate policy for your workplace, we can assist. Contact us on connect@phoenixoccmed.com.au or 0733332222.