The aim of this policy is to reduce the risk of an accident and injuries by promoting a safe driving culture within the organisation.
The objectives of the policy are: • To ensure that staff who drive vehicles in the course of their work demonstrate safe, efficient driving skills and other good road safety habits at all times. • To maintain all vehicles in a safe, clean and roadworthy condition to ensure the maximum safety of the drivers, occupants and other road users, and reduce the impacts of vehicles on the environment – this also applies to personal vehicles used for work purposes.
Code of conduct The Village Nursery Bellingdon states that: “While driving company vehicles or own vehicles for work purposes, staff must comply with traffic legislation, be conscious of road safety and demonstrate safe driving and other good road safety habits”.
The following actions in company vehicles will be viewed as serious breaches of conduct and dismissal may be a consequence: • drinking or being under the influence of drugs while driving • driving while disqualified or not correctly licensed • reckless or dangerous driving causing death or injury • failing to stop after a crash • acquiring demerit points leading to suspension of licence • any actions that warrant the suspension of a licence.
Responsibilities as an employee Every driver of a company vehicle will: • ensure they hold a current driver licence for the class of vehicle they are driving and this licence is carried when driving a company vehicle and a copy is held by the nursery. Immediately notify their supervisor or manager if their driver licence has been suspended or cancelled, or has had limitations placed upon it • be responsible and accountable for their actions when operating a company vehicle or driving for the purposes of work • display the highest level of professional conduct when driving a company vehicle • Regularly have the oil checked, tyre pressures, radiator and washer bottle levels of company vehicles they regularly use • comply with traffic legislation when driving • assess hazards while driving and anticipate ‘what if’ scenarios • drive within the legal speed limits, including driving to the conditions • wear a safety belt at all times • never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription and over the counter medication if they cause drowsiness – to do so will merit disciplinary measures • avoid distraction when driving – the driver will adjust car stereos/mirrors etc before setting off, or pull over safely in order to do so • report any near-hits, crashes and scrapes to their manager, including those that do not result in injury, and follow the crash procedures outlined in this policy • report infringements to a manager at the earliest opportunity • report vehicle defects to a manager before the next vehicle use. In addition, it is required that all drivers: • take regular and adequate rest breaks, at least every two hours • stop when tired • plan their journeys, taking into account pre-journey work duties, the length of the trip and post journey commitments
If an employee is driving their own vehicle for the purposes of work, the same policies apply. In addition: • the employee must seek the employer’s agreement before using their vehicle for work • the car must be legally registered, warranted and insured for the purposes of work – the employee must show evidence of this on request • the employee must not carry loads for which the vehicle is unsuited, nor may they carry more passengers than for whom there are seat belts • the vehicle must not be used in conditions for which it was not designed (such as off-road).
Responsibilities as an employer The employer will take all steps to ensure company vehicles are as safe as possible and will not require staff to drive under conditions that are unsafe and/or likely to create an unsafe environment, physical distress, fatigue by: • choosing vehicles with ESC (Electronic Stability Control), ABS brakes and side head-protecting airbags • fitting all vehicles with a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, reflective vest, torch and emergency triangle. • All car seats are fitted correctly and maintain required standards of safety. Ensuring all vehicles are well maintained and that the equipment promotes driver, operator and passenger safety by: • servicing the vehicles according to manufacturers’ recommendations • setting up procedures where employees check vehicles’ oil, water, tyre pressures and general cleanliness on a monthly basis, then record the inspections • keeping maintenance schedules in the glove boxes of all vehicles, which are completed each time the vehicles are serviced in any way • following the maintenance schedules in the vehicles’ manuals • setting up a procedure to identify and rectify faults as soon as practicable.
Encouraging safe driving behaviour by: • not paying staff speeding or other infringement fines • forbidding the use of mobile phones in vehicles while driving • encouraging regular breaks while driving • encouraging the use of taxis and buses whenever necessary
What employees are to do if there is a crash in a company vehicle. Immediately stop your vehicle at the scene or as close to it as possible, making sure you are not obstructing traffic. Ensure your own safety first. Help any injured people and call for assistance if needed. DO NOT ADMIT FAULT Try to get the following information: • details of the other vehicle(s) and registration number(s) • name(s) and address(es) of the other vehicle owner(s) and driver(s) • name(s) and address(es) of any witness(es) • name(s) of insurer(s). Give the following information: • your name and address and company details. If you damage another vehicle that is unattended, leave a note on the vehicle with your contact details. Contact the police: • if there are injuries • if there is a disagreement over the cause of the crash • if you damage property other than your own Follow-up If there is an injury or major damage, report the crash to your manager as soon as you can
Adopted by The Village Nursery 1st June 2021
This policy will be reviewed annually
Signed Karen Suckling