Great Lakes Wire

Employers with staff who drive for work must ensure they have robust policies and procedures for checking motor vehicle records, as outlined in a recent release by Susan Chance from SBAM-approved partner, ASE. The release emphasizes the importance for companies to be aware if their insurance policies require such checks and to ensure compliance if necessary.

The responsibility is significant, as employees driving for business purposes represent their company. An accident or preventable crash can lead to the company being held liable, especially if it is determined that the employer neglected to perform due diligence in verifying the employee's driving record. "Courts will not only look at what the employer knew, but also what the employer should have known."

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises several actions to improve driving safety including: "Check the driving records of all employees who drive for work purposes"; prohibiting the use of portable electronic devices while driving; making safe driving an essential part of business culture; providing continuous driver safety training; and educating workers on avoiding distractions from technology.

OSHA further suggests encouraging workers to stay focused, avoid electronic distractions, slow down in work zones, and refrain from driving when fatigued. A culture of safety should be promoted, integrating safe communications practices into work orientation and training.

The safety of company vehicles, if used by employees, should also be regularly maintained to ensure they meet safety standards. The release calls for a "spring cleaning" of company driving policies to clean up and update them as necessary.

"Susan Chance, courtesy of SBAM-approved partner, ASE."