Running a business is rarely easy, so it makes sense to minimise complexity and at least try to keep things as simple as possible, right? So, it might have occurred to you that running a vehicle fleet is one complication you just don’t need right now, far better to let your employees drive their own vehicles at work, and reimburse them for the cost. What could possibly go wrong, hey?
If that sounds like you then you’re running a grey fleet, and while it may sound like a good idea, it’s one that’s fraught with potential hazards and pitfalls. In an increasingly litigious world, relying on your employees’ vehicles to run your business can land you in plenty of trouble in the form of fines and payouts.
Dangerous Roads
Unfortunately, our roads are still dangerous places. In fact, roughly half of the deaths in Australian workplaces occur on the roads, so it’s a big problem. And if you’re thinking that your OH&S responsibilities begin and end with tools of trade vehicles, then you can think again.
“If you’re an employer then it’s up to you to make sure your drivers and their vehicles are safe, and that they’re fit for purpose,” said Nigel Malcolm, CEO of Fleetcare.
“So you need to know if your drivers have valid licenses, whether they have a history of drink driving, or a lot of demerit points, and whether their eyesight checks out.”
But it’s also important to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, and that they’re regularly serviced and maintained. Keeping track of all that in a systematic manner can be difficult, particularly if some of your staff are driving vehicles that are getting on a bit. And of course, older vehicles aren’t as safe as the latest ones loaded with modern safety equipment. That just increases your risk.
Duty of Care
It’s worth reiterating that you have a duty of care to your drivers. They may be in their car, but it’s still their workplace as far as Australia’s Work Health and Safety laws are concerned. So, it’s your responsibility to provide a safe working environment. That’s difficult when you have little-to-no control over the vehicles they’re driving.
Because of the challenges of running a grey fleet, it’s important to develop a grey fleet policy for your business, to minimise the risks. But it’s worth asking the question: Don’t you have better things to do? Managing a fleet is complex and difficult. Doesn’t it make sense to leave it to the fleet management experts who have years of experience when it comes to reducing your business risks?
So, if your employees are still driving their own cars and putting themselves and your business at risk, then why not talk to Fleetcare today about a better way of keeping your fleet, and your business, running smoothly?