Safe driving

Safe Driving Policy

Last week I needed to make a return day trip from Paihia to Auckland. Before I’d gotten to Kawakawa I had already counted the vehicle in front of me cross a yellow centre line four times, and seven times over the white lines. Returning from Auckland on Friday afternoon I was minutes behind a head on collision at Kauri just north of Whangarei. It’s sad to say I wasn’t surprised given the poor driving I had witnessed throughout my journey. This wasn’t a young hoon either. It appeared to be an older gentleman in a modern well kept vehicle. Too many people are getting killed and injured on our roads due to drivers inability to stick to the middle of their own lane. Why? Drivers are going too fast, their distracted, their vehicles are unsafe or the simply can’t drive. The reality for most businesses is if you have people on the road, that is the most significant hazard in your workplace*. Keep your team safe on the road with an up-to-date safe driving policy. All drivers whose primary role is driving should complete a defensive driving course.

The HSWA 2015  defines the workplace as anywhere work is undertaken. This means if your workers do any driving for work you have responsibilities under the HSWA. This excludes workers driving to and from work in their own vehicle.

Safe driving policy

  • Workers driving company vehicles, or their own vehicles for work, must follow the requirements of the Land Transport Act. [Company name] acknowledges one of the most significant risks in our workplace is on the road.
  • All company vehicles will be regularly maintained and serviced and have a current WOF/COF and registration. Vehicles, including trailers, must not be used without current WOF. Vehicles must be clean to ensure good visibility, through all windows, tail lights, break lights and indicators must be free of dirt.
  • All drivers must hold an appropriate license. Drivers who require a driving endorsement (for Transport Services Licence holders) must consent to [Company Name] accessing their driver record via TORO. This is a condition of employment. Driver’s license details are retained in the Worker training records.
  • Drivers must conduct themselves on the road in the same way they would be expected to in the workplace. Aggressive driving and any actions which may bring the organisation into disrepute will not be tolerated and disciplinary action may be undertaken.
  • Workers who are required to drive as part of their role must notify the General Manager in the event they receive an infringement notice which may impact on their ability to conduct their work tasks.
  • The use of phones for calling, and navigation is not permitted unless using an approved hands-free system. Drivers must not send or attempt to read text messages when driving, unless through and approved hands-free system.
  • Headlights must be on at all times when driving.
  • Safety belts must be worn in all vehicles where they are available.
  • Driver must adhere to all speed limits, including road works and temporary speed restrictions.
  • Driving while fatigued can be a serious risk. When travelling long distanced drivers must ensure regular breaks are taken and ensure they are well hydrated. If at any time drivers feel fatigued, they should pull over as soon as possible and rest until they feel they are able to safely resume their journey.
  • Smoking is not permitted in company vehicles.
  • Road accidents are a significant risk. Near misses can be defined as any time a driver has taken sudden action in order to avoid an incident. This may include swerving to avoid animals, people or objects, or sudden breaking. Near misses must be recorded in the Accident/Incident/Near miss register. High risk routes should be avoided where possible.
  • Accidents involving company vehicles must be notified to the General Manager immediately.
  • It is the responsibility of the vehicle driver to ensure all loads are appropriately secured.
Posted in General.