Workplace Road Safety Policy Template

The purpose of a workplace policy is to set and communicate the expectations of the organisation and help employees to understand the risks of driving for work and ways to mitigate risks.

Every workplace is different, but the risks workers face when driving a vehicle on the road are largely the same. The template provides a structure to create an organisation specific workplace road safety policy suitable for medium and large workplaces with fleet vehicles and workers that drive for work on a regular basis and/or intermittently. Small workplaces can also use the template utilising the parts that relate to their travel requirements.

The blue text is explanatory information to provide an understanding of the purpose of the section and the information that could be included within. The information in regular text can be adapted to your organisation’s specific circumstances and requirements.

Steps to take prior to preparing the policy

Identify Hazards

Follow the guidance set out in the Guide to embedding road safety in your workplace section of the Workplace Road Safety Guide (link to Guide) including the steps to identify hazards and understand risks, in consultation with workers.

Identify hazards in consultation with workers and Health and Safety Representatives. This does not need to be included as part of the policy, but the hazards identified and the appropriate controls to mitigate the risks of the hazards should be included in the policy as the first step to implementation.

There are many factors to consider when identifying hazards including:

Work location

The time of day

Worker/s competencies

Fit for purpose vehicle

Travel speed

Aggressive and violent road users

Carrying and towing loads

Vehicle roll-aways

Impaired fitness

Fatigue

In-vehicle distractions

Weather conditions

Road and traffic conditions

Long distance driving

Animals

Availability and accessibility to communication

Risk Management

Applying the hierarchy of controls, in consultation with workers, identify appropriate controls that can be implemented to either eliminate or minimise the risk to worker/s who may be driving or travelling in a vehicle.

Consider alternative options (e.g. virtual meetings, public transport, active travel) to eliminate the need to drive.

Risk controls:

Licensing requirements

Appropriate vehicle selection

Training – specialised skills required e.g. towing, driving on unsealed roads

Routine driving – communication of whereabouts, GPS, telematics

Vehicle roll-aways – procedure, education and training

Long distance driving – prepare a travel plan

Communication and monitoring - check in procedure

Incident or emergency response – incident reporting requirements

First aid

Inspection

Template

Introduction / Purpose

Outline why you are implementing a workplace road safety policy which could include work health and safety obligations, providing information, instruction and training to workers to achieve better road safety outcomes whilst driving for work-related purposes and influencing safe driver behaviour at all times.

Purpose of the policy, example: to minimise personal injury to workers and reduce the costs directly and indirectly related to the use of vehicles for work-related purposes.

Include what the workplace aims to achieve and is committed to.

Measurable outcomes

Include statements about what the workplace aims to achieve.

This policy will assist in:

increased awareness and understanding among employees of safe driving practices,

employees behaving in a manner that is conducive to road safety,

employees behaving in a manner that aligns to [organisation’s values charter],

obtaining commitment from drivers, passengers and managers to use vehicles safely and efficiently,

demonstrating to the community at large the benefit of safe driving, and

compliance with Work, Health and Safety obligations.

Scope

What the policy will cover and whom. This might include fleet vehicles, grey fleet and hire cars.

This policy applies to all workers operating vehicles for work-related purposes including fleet vehicles, grey-fleet and hire vehicles.

Roles and Responsibilities

Detail the roles and responsibilities in managing the safety of the fleet, including driver responsibilities. Consider presenting in a table format. Work, health and safety responsibilities could also be outlined.

Role	Responsibility
Chief Executive Officer PCBU (Duty holder)	Oversee the development of the policy, ensure that it is implemented and maintained. The policy is brought to the attention of all workers and officers and responsibilities are assigned and communicated. Ensure compliance. Demonstrate appropriate behaviour and positive attitude towards other road users. Regularly review road safety performance and engage workers to make improvements.
Managers PCBU	Support implementation of the policy. Inform and support workers to comply with the policy through appropriate instruction, training and education. Ensuring appropriate vehicle selection for the operational activities of their workers. Ensuring risk assessments and hazard Management Assessments are undertaken. Demonstrate appropriate behaviour and positive attitude towards other road users. Investigate near misses and crashes.
Workers	Comply with the requirements of the policy and other relevant documentation (e.g. procedures, risk assessments). Hold an appropriate and current driver’s licence. Are aware of and comply with road rules and traffic legislation. Undertake a vehicle induction and become familiar with the vehicle and safety features. Ensure that they have undertaken education and training to understand the risks of driving and adopt safe driving practices. Have completed a risk assessment when required. Set an example to the remainder of the community in demonstrating safe driving behaviour. Demonstrate appropriate behaviour and a positive and courteous attitude to other road users. Report suspect or unsafe/unroadworthy vehicle conditions at the earliest possible time. Report incidents, crashes and near misses.

Definitions

Define the key terms used throughout the document. Consider presenting in a table format.

Term	Description
Example: Vehicle	For the purposes of this policy a vehicle includes: All fleet vehicles Grey fleet (personal vehicles used for work)
PCBU	Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking

Vehicle Safety

Set the standard and requirements for the purchase or lease of vehicles in your organisation. Consider the options listed in the Guide on what employers can do to improve vehicle safety in the workplace.

Your organisation may also have environment and sustainability commitments that impact vehicle selection which can be included here.

Organisations with a large fleet may consider the need for a separate vehicle policy that includes guidance on vehicle selection for a safe, efficient and cost-effective fleet.

Include ‘grey fleet’ if staff use their own vehicle for work, to ensure the road safety policy also applies to those drivers. Other considerations may include the use and selection of hire cars.

For all vehicles purchased or leased consideration must be given to the latest safety features that may enhance the safe performance of the vehicle and maximise driver and passenger safety. Consideration must also be given to all vehicle accessories, fitments and modifications that may affect safe operation of the vehicle.

Vehicles must have a 5-star Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) safety rating for their category and as a minimum should include the following safety features:

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Lane support systems

Autonomous emergency braking

Reverse collision avoidance systems, such as cameras and/or monitors

Other safety features that could be considered in vehicle selection or for vehicle fitment:

Seat belt alerts for all seat positions

Speed warning alerts

Automatic day time running lights

Adaptive cruise control

Fatigue and distraction monitoring

Rear cross-traffic alert

Automatic parking assist

Active head restraints

A three-point safety belt and head restraint for the centre rear seat

Telematics

The Surveillance Devices Act 2016 (SA) section 7 – Tracking devices states that a person must not knowingly install, use or maintain a tracking device to determine the geographical location of:

a person without the express or implied consent of that person; or

a vehicle or thing without the express or implied consent of the owner, or

a person in lawful possession or lawful control, of that vehicle or thing.

Consult with workers about including in-vehicle monitoring devices or telematics.

Managers /Supervisors should make workers aware of the in-vehicle monitoring system. The in-vehicle monitoring system capabilities that may be utilised for safety, monitoring vehicle performance and use include:

notification of crash or impact,

notification of airbag deployment,

dispatch of emergency services,

vehicle location,

vehicle speed v speed limit,

vehicle driving dynamics including harsh braking, harsh acceleration and harsh cornering,

duress alarms, and

remote or isolated work check-in.

Registration and insurance

All motor vehicles that are driven on South Australian roads must be registered. Driving unregistered, without Compulsory Third Party insurance is a serious offence.

Registration of vehicles, Compulsory Third Party insurance and comprehensive motor insurance must be maintained at all times.

Roadside assistance

Identify road side assistance services required across the fleet.

Roadside assistance is provided with all fleet vehicles (purchased or leased). The roadside assistance policy, contact information and instructions are available in all fleet vehicles.

Safety equipment and first aid

Identify the safety equipment required in each vehicle – this may differ for vehicles that are used for remote and regional driving and for particular terrain.

Safety equipment and first aid is available in the vehicle and checked and maintained annually. Workers are appropriately trained in their use. Examples of safety equipment include:

First aid kit

Fire extinguisher

Window breaker

Seatbelt cutter

Reflective high visibility vest

LED torch

Vehicle maintenance

Specify the requirements for vehicle maintenance

Vehicle maintenance should be undertaken in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements and the lease agreement.

Workers should conduct a pre-drive check and report any issues with the vehicle. Workers should not drive a vehicle if they detect a problem. Any issue with the vehicle or damage to the vehicle that occurs when driving must be reported when the vehicle is returned.

Safe Drivers

Consider the options listed in the Guide on what employers can do to improve safe driver behaviour. Use this policy to implement risk controls and set the standard of driver behaviour expected. Adapt wording to suit your requirements.

Alcohol and drugs

In South Australia it is illegal to drive exceeding the prescribed concentration of alcohol and to drive with a prescribed drug present in oral fluid. The prescribed concentration of alcohol for an unconditional licence holder is 0.05, and for a learner, provisional, probationary licence holder, bus, taxi, heavy vehicle and vehicles carrying dangerous goods drivers it is zero. Prescribed drugs include THC (cannabis including medicinal cannabis), methylamphetamine (speed, ice or crystal meth) and MDMA (ecstasy).

Vehicles must not be operated while the driver is under the influence of any drugs or alcohol that may impair their ability to operate the vehicle, or where the driver has a blood alcohol level in excess of that permitted by law, or a prescribed drug present in their system, or opt for a no alcohol policy. Any amount of alcohol in the body can impair driving.

Workers must not operate a vehicle if they are affected by drugs and/or alcohol.

Non-prescription medications may also affect a person’s ability to drive safely. If workers are taking prescription and/or non-prescription medication they are responsible for discussing with their medical practitioner and/or pharmacist to determine if there are any possible side effects that may affect their ability to operate a vehicle.

South Australia Police can conduct roadside breath testing and drug testing at any time.

If alcohol is served at a work event, ensure that workers have a plan to get home safe and/or provide them with an alternative mode of transport such as bus, taxi voucher or Uber.

Mobile phones

Mobile phone use while driving can impact a driver’s reaction time. It is important that you do not use a hand-held mobile phone in a vehicle while driving, even when the vehicle is at traffic lights or in congested traffic. You can only use a mobile phone if it is secured in a commercially made cradle affixed to the vehicle and not obstructing your vision, or is remotely operated (i.e. via Bluetooth), and is only used to make or receive audio calls.

Learner and P1 licence holders must not use a mobile phone in a vehicle at any time while driving, including hands-free technologies.

Penalties apply for illegal use of a mobile phone while driving.

Workers are not to use their mobile phone at all when driving. This includes any type of hands free or Bluetooth units. Workers are encouraged to activate the do not disturb driving setting on their mobile phone if available. Managers and supervisors should be aware of workers movements and to avoid contacting a worker while they are commuting.

If the vehicle is a principle place of work it will be fitted with a hands free mobile phone communication system (Bluetooth or phone cradle). The mobile phone is not to be handled whilst driving. If the driver needs to access a mobile phone while commuting, they must legally park the vehicle and then attend to their mobile phone.

Driver Distraction

Driving is a complex task and always requires the driver’s attention. Distractions can be inside a vehicle (e.g. mobile phone use, eating or drinking, navigation devices, passengers, reaching for objects), outside a vehicle (e.g. other road users, billboards) or from the driver’s own mind (e.g. stress, daydreaming).

Any lapse of concentration increases your chance of a crash. Taking your eyes off the road for two seconds doubles the risk of a crash.

Mobile phones, smartwatches and other visual display units provide a range of functions that can distract drivers from the driving task.

Workers are responsible for ensuring that whilst driving all in-vehicle distractions are minimised. It is recommended that workers:

focus on the driving task,

avoid eating,

before commencing the drive set in-vehicle technologies such as music, Global Positioning System (GPS) and climate control and avoid adjusting during the drive,

secure loose objects and cargo in dedicated storage,

set mobile phones and other electronic devices to do not disturb, and

if travelling as a passenger in a vehicle, minimise distractions to the driver.

Managers and supervisors should do the following:

ensure workers are aware of the risks and rules of mobile phone use while driving,

encourage workers not to use their mobile phone at all when driving.

if in-car phone use is necessary ensuring that all fleet vehicles and grey fleet vehicles have a hands-free device fitted (such as phone cradle or Bluetooth)

not call workers when they know that person is driving

Safe speeds

A vehicle’s speed can affect the risk of a crash and the severity of crashes and subsequent injuries, as the human body has physical limits to withstanding the impact of a crash. Speed is a contributing factor in many crashes where lives are lost, or people are seriously injured. Drivers should always drive to a speed that suits the road and the weather conditions, and only ever up to the posted speed limit.

To minimise the risks associated with speed, workers must:

observe speed limits,

drive at speeds appropriate for conditions,

respond to in-vehicle monitoring/speed warning alerts, and

plan trips to allow for adequate time to travel between appointments and compensate for delays.

Managers and supervisors should do the following:

make sure workers have enough time to travel between destinations by scheduling work to include rest breaks,

provide education sessions on the risks of speeding,

develop disciplinary procedures for workers who receive speeding infringements, and

explore options to fit telematics to monitor speed.

Wearing a seatbelt

Wearing seatbelts is compulsory. The use of seatbelts and restraints decreases the likelihood of serious injury in the event of a crash. The wearing of seatbelts will contribute to the effective operation of airbags.

Drivers must ensure that they and any other passengers in the vehicle are wearing their seatbelt regardless of their age. Drivers and passengers aged 16 years and over can incur a fine if they fail to wear a seatbelt. Children under the age of 16 must be restrained in a suitable approved restraint that is properly adjusted and fastened.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a term used to describe the feeling of being sleepy, tired or exhausted. Fatigue is not just extreme exhaustion, but includes everyday mental or physical tiredness that affects a person's a person’s ability to function. It can lead to impaired judgement, slower reaction times and decreased ability to control a vehicle.

To avoid fatigue, managers, supervisors and drivers will:

plan driving schedules realistically,

be well rested before driving,

take regular refresher breaks, it is recommended that 15-20 minute refresher breaks should be taken after each two (2) hour driving period. It is recommended that the worker(s) leave the car, stretch and walk around to avoid sustained static postures,

if driving is shared, rotate driving every two hours,

minimise or avoid driving during normal sleep time, especially between the hours of 12 am and 6 am,

avoid unreasonable combinations of working and driving hours. Arrange overnight accommodation to ensure this does not occur,

assess your tiredness before driving. Indicators of fatigue include yawning, poor concentration, feeling irritable, tired or sore eyes, and

inform the supervisor or manager if too tired to drive.

If any workers work shifts, drive regularly, or long distances for work it is recommended that a fatigue management plan is created to ensure these workers do not drive tired. This may include policies around matters such as scheduling, night driving, and rest breaks. It is important that workers do not feel a need to drive tired to fulfil work requirements.

Workers who experience signs of fatigue while driving should pull over, stop and rest.

Uncontrolled movement of vehicles

Workers that are required to frequently stop and exit the vehicle, load and unload the vehicle or undertake maintenance of the vehicle are potentially at risk of being involved in a vehicle roll-away.

Managers and supervisors should ensure that workers are familiar with the risks of vehicle roll-aways and provide instruction and education on safe parking and immobilisation of vehicles.

To minimise the risk of a vehicle roll-away incident, workers should:

ensure that the vehicle is parked safely, fully stopped and immobilised before exiting the vehicle each time,

park on a level surface, when possible,

park your vehicle in correct gear and properly engage the park brake,

effective use of wheel chocks when required,

not attempt to get into the vehicle if it starts to roll away, and

never stand in the path of the vehicle or try and stop it if it starts to roll away.

Sharing the road – managing risks for other road users

This section should include information for drivers about sharing the road with vulnerable road users as well as information for users of these modes of transport for inclusion in a policy as appropriate. Consider the options listed in the Guide on what employers can do to help workers share the road safely with others.

Sharing the road requires consideration and patience to ensure all road users make it to their destination safely. Drivers need to look out for pedestrians, watch out for children, share the road with other vehicles as well as motor bike riders, bicycle riders and heavy vehicles.

Pedestrians

Drivers are legally required to give way to pedestrians at crossings when they are on the road and when they are entering or leaving a driveway. Mobility scooter users travelling under 10 km/h are pedestrians. Managers and supervisors should ensure that drivers do the following:

scan for pedestrians at crossings and intersections,

be aware of the potential presence of pedestrians affected by alcohol around entertainment venues and during festive seasons,

slow down where there is a high amount of pedestrian activity and remember that older pedestrians and those with disabilities may need extra time to cross a road,

if turning left or right, give way to any pedestrian at or near the intersection on the road, or part of the road the driver is entering.

Workers commuting by foot for a work purpose should:

always use a pedestrian crossing,

look both ways before crossing a road and continue to look while crossing,

make sure vehicles have stopped before crossing, make eye contact with the driver where possible,

avoid crossing a road between parked cars, or at the front or back of buses,

take extra care when crossing at or near roundabouts,

use footpaths where available,

put mobile phones away and unplug earphones to increase focus,

when using a shared path, keep to the left of the pathway to allow room for bicycle riders to pass, and

take extra care around heavy vehicles, as they may not be able to see you.

Managers/supervisors whose workers walk to commute for a work-related purpose should ensure that workers know the rules and safety issues related to walking on and around roads.

Bicycle riders

People riding bicycles have the same rights and responsibility as other road users. Bicycle riders can often be hard to see and don’t have the same protection around them as someone travelling in a car.

To share the road safely with bicycle riders, drivers should:

scan the road ahead for bicycle riders,

when turning or entering an intersection look for bicycle riders and give way as you would for any other vehicle,

only overtake when it is safe to do so. When overtaking people on bicycles slow down until it is safe to overtake,

give bicycle riders plenty of room; you must allow a minimum of 1 metre clearance when travelling up to 60km/h and 1.5 metres if travelling over 60 km/h

watch out for all bicycle riders on the footpath,

before opening a car door, look behind and over your right shoulder for bicycle riders,

adjust your speed to suit the presence of pedestrians or bicycle riders, in particular at night and in bad weather,

not drive, stop or park in a bicycle lane (you can cross a bicycle lane to turn left, enter private property or park in a parking lane providing you indicate and give way to any bicycle riders), and

remember that bicycle riders can legally ride two abreast, so be patient as you approach and overtake only when safe.

Managers/supervisors of workers who ride a bicycle for a work-related purpose must ensure the following:

bicycles are roadworthy with at least one working brake and a bell,

if riding in low light or poor visibility the bike should have front and rear lights and reflectors,

appropriate personal protective equipment is provided including an approved helmet and a high-visibility vest with reflective strips,

encourage riders to plan their journey using shared paths, cycle ways and quieter streets (use the Cycle instead Journey Planner), and

bicycle riders are aware of the risks and familiar with the road rules.

Workers who ride a bicycle for a work-related purpose should:

be aware of and comply with the road rules.

wear an approved helmet, fitted and fastened securely.

plan a safe journey by using shared paths, cycle ways and quieter streets. Consider utilising the Cycle Instead Journey Planner.

enhance your visibility by wearing something bright. Always wear something reflective at night, including a light.

unplug earphones to increase focus on the road.

take extra care around heavy vehicles, as they may not be able to see you.

Motor bike riders

Motor bike riders (including riders of motor trikes and mopeds) are less protected than car drivers. In a crash, they are more likely to experience injuries to the head, chest and legs. Car drivers can help make roads safer for motor bike riders by:

always checking what is in front of their vehicle, behind it and to each side,

always leave plenty of room if overtaking a motor bike rider,

always check blind spots for motor bike riders, and

always be respectful to riders on the road.

Motor bike riders must wear an approved motorcycle helmet and should wear protective clothing that covers their whole body to protect the skin, joints and spine from impact.

The motor bike fleet will have consideration to the latest safety features and have Anti-lock Braking System. The motor bike fleet will be regularly maintained and serviced.

Managers/supervisors of workers who ride a motor bike for a work-related purpose must ensure the following:

all riders have a valid motor bike licence

all riders have the appropriate experience to operate a motor bike for the purpose that they are required to ride

riders are provided with appropriate protective gear this is size appropriate, provides protection and is comfortable (see motocap.com.au), and

riders are provided with approved motor bike helmets that are size-appropriate for all riders (see crash.org.au),

ensure riders are aware of and comply with all road rules including motor bike specific laws, including lane filtering,

encourage riders to use safe behaviours relating to speed, fatigue, alcohol, drugs and distraction

Workers who are required to ride a motor bike for work related purpose should:

wear an approved helmet that is securely fitted and fastened,

wear protective gear that covers your whole body,

wear bright coloured clothing to enhance your visibility,

follow the road rules, including motor bike specific laws such as lane filtering,

check your bike before you ride, including tyre pressure and tread, fluid levels and lights,

stay out of a driver’s blind spot,

watch for loose gravel, oil, fuel or water across the road,

take extra care around heavy vehicles, as they may not be able to see you, and

keep headlights on, even during the day to increase visibility.

Heavy vehicles

Heavy vehicles are longer, wider and heavier than a standard vehicle, so extra care needs to be taken. The mass and rigidity of heavy vehicles can contribute to the severity of crashes, especially in collisions with other vehicles. Even at very low speeds, crashes between pedestrians, bicycle riders, motor bike riders and heavy vehicles can result in serious injuries and loss of life.

Managers/supervisors should make workers aware of the risks of sharing the road with heavy vehicles and to be cautious and patient when near them.

Drivers and riders should do the following:

be patient,

do not cut in front of a heavy vehicle when they are slowing down at traffic lights or turning, as they take longer to stop.

do not overtake a turning vehicle, it is important to give them space and time. Trucks with a ‘Do not overtake turning vehicle’ sign fitted to the rear of the truck and trailer are allowed to turn from the second or third lane from the kerb if needed,

be aware of heavy vehicle blind spots and avoid travelling in them. If you can’t see their mirrors, they cannot see you.

always keep a safe distance when travelling behind a heavy vehicle, and

turn headlights on when driving at night and during poor visibility.

Plan your Drive

Consider the options listed in the Guide on what employers can do to plan for travel, including regional driving if relevant to your organisation. A risk assessment and/or travel management plan may form part of your procedures.

A risk assessment or completion of a travel management plan is to be completed for all significant journeys (define significant journey by a journey exceeding time/kilometres). The assessment will take into consideration:

the safest route,

allowance for adequate time and breaks,

road and weather conditions,

check-in procedure, communication and monitoring requirements,

remote travel Standard Operating Procedure,

break down procedure, and

any other identified hazards.

Where duties require periods of driving alone, workers, managers and supervisors will:

ensure that drivers have emergency contact information and an appropriate communication system available,

encourage drivers to inform appropriate persons of their departure and estimated destination arrival time, and

ensure that drivers are aware of personal security and safety practices while in a vehicle and when boarding and alighting a vehicle. This includes awareness of vehicle locking, alarm and duress systems and vehicle storage and security arrangements.

Driving in Remote Areas

The Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (SA) states that a PCBU must manage risks to the health and safety of a worker associated with remote or isolated work. Driving in remote areas can place employees in high-risk situations. Risk mitigation strategies must be considered and implemented to manage employee safety and wellbeing.

A risk assessment is to be completed in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure for driving in remote areas to assess the risks and hazards associated with the travel requirement. Consideration is to be had to the:

selection of the appropriate vehicle for the journey including items such as water tanks, additional fuel tank, additional spare tyre and wheel and equipment for specific terrain,

all vehicle servicing and maintenance is up to date,

road and weather conditions,

scheduled communication and provision of appropriate reliable communication system(s) i.e. radio, telephone (including satellite telephone if required) and personal contact,

inform the appropriate authorities of remote area travel plans including, persons travelling, destination and estimated time of arrival,

the need to carry an EPIRB (Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon) and a journey management system app,

ensure clear procedures are adopted for emergency situations including personal injury, vehicle crash, breakdown and/or vehicle bogging,

ensure drivers and/or passengers are appropriately trained to load and operate the vehicle and all equipment carried including communication and vehicle recovery equipment,

ensure a First Aid kit and fire extinguisher is carried in the vehicle and the driver and/or passengers are appropriately trained in their use,

ensure appropriate provisions are carried for emergency situations including food, water and fuel,

ensure that where roadside assistance is not available such as remote locations and where an emergency situation occurs where a driver may be required to undertake a tyre change, they are appropriately trained to safely utilise the vehicle’s spare wheel, spare wheel carrier and jack or other appropriate vehicle fitments to safely change a flat tyre (unless excluded to do so by policy).

Smoking in vehicles

Outline the position on smoking in fleet vehicles.

Drivers and passengers should note that smoking in fleet vehicles is prohibited.

Driver performance

Outline the position that will be taken for drivers being detected or found to persistently fail to comply with road rules, traffic laws and this policy.

Persistent failure to comply with South Australia, Road Traffic Act 1961, Rules and Regulations, or unsafe driving practices while driving a company owned or leased vehicle will constitute unsafe work performance and may result in disciplinary action.

Breakdowns, crashes and near misses

In addition to the information below, you may wish to develop the following procedures to accompany the policy; a breakdown safety procedure, crash procedure and incident notification procedure. Break down safety tips are available on My Licence.

Breakdowns

If a breakdown occurs drivers should:

find a safe space to pull over and immobilise the vehicle. Park as far left as possible,

ensure that they can be seen, turn on hazard lights and parking lights in poor light or raise the bonnet,

stay in the car if safe to do so. Move to the passenger seat and put the seatbelt on, and

call for roadside assistance.

Crashes

If a worker is involved in a crash, they must:

remain at the scene of the crash and render assistance as appropriate,

telephone 000 or activate an EPIRB if there is danger or serious injury. Police must be called if a person is injured, the crash results in a fatality, if a driver involved fails to stop after the crash or if any of the drivers involved appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs,

telephone 131 444 if Police assistance is required,

be aware of surroundings and oncoming traffic,

if safe to do so, move the vehicle off the road if Police are not attending,

obtain information from other driver(s) involved including personal details, licence number, insurance and vehicle registration details,

record the date, time and location of the crash, and

contact your manager/supervisor as soon as practical.

Workers involved in a near miss incident are responsible for reporting the occurrence in accordance with the organisations workplace incident notification procedure.

Managers/Supervisors must investigate all crashes and reports of near misses

Resources

Include documents that will provide value to your drivers, e.g. pre-driving checklist (link TBC) road rules, breakdown safety.

Effective Date:	Include date when policy comes into effect
Review Date:	Include scheduled review date of policy
Responsible Person	Chief Executive Officer