24 Nov 2008
MEDIA RELEASE: 24 November 2008
The Transport Accident Commission and WorkSafe Victoria have launched a “Guide to safe work-related driving” to help reduce deaths and injuries resulting from work-related driving.
Speaking at the launch of the guide, the TAC's Senior Manager for Road Safety, David Healy, said the guide provided practical advice to employers, fleet managers and drivers on measures to reduce risks associated with work-related driving.
"Research shows that fleet driving represents an increased crash risk relative to non-fleet driving. Data from the Australian Safety and Compensation Council shows that vehicle accidents represent 41% of all compensated work fatalities," said Mr Healy.
Given this high risk profile, the benefits of a work-related driving safety program could be significant and include:
- Reduced death and injury and all their related personal, social and economic costs
- Greater productivity through increases in vehicle use
- Greater ability to manage the fleet safely by using fleet safety and incident information.
"This guide is a great resource for employers setting up their own work-related driving safety program. It concentrates on the occupational health and safety obligations of employers in providing and maintaining cars that are used for work-related purposes," said WorkSafe's Executive Director, John Merritt.
The key features of a work-related driving safety program should include:
- A purchasing policy based on a minimum of a four star safety rating in the Australasian New Car Assessment Program
- Involvement of employees and local management
- Driver information and education
- An appropriate vehicle inspection and maintenance program
- An incident and accident follow-up action plan.
"All Victorian workplaces where driving is a requirement of the job should aim to progressively develop and implement policies and practices based on these guidelines as soon as practical," said Mr Healy.
The guide deals with work-related driving in a business sequence, beginning with planning before driving, through to on-road risk management, and monitoring and reviews of fleet performance.
A copy of the "Guide to safe work related driving" is available free from www.worksafe.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 136 089.
Media queries only:
- Nicolas McGay, 0403 710 889 or Nicolas_McGay@tac.vic.gov.au
- Alex White, 0419 529 505 or Alex_White@tac.vic.gov.au
- Devon McGillicuddy, 0466 029 169 or Devon_McGillicuddy@tac.vic.gov.au
Please refer any other enquiries to:
- Online form
- Tel: 1300 654 329
- Email: info@tac.vic.gov.au