Why basic vehicle checks are so important, by Simon Oliphant, chief executive, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions
RESEARCH from the Institute of Advanced Motorists shows that, on average, seven out of 10 employees say they are not offered even basic training on vehicle safety checks.
When driving a business-supplied car, or even a personal car used for business, employers need to ensure their staff are maintaining their vehicles properly. On grounds of both safety and reliability.
It is important to underline the message that duty of care should extend to each individual business driver -particularly for small businesses that may not have the scope to employ a dedicated car manager.
Basic checks of
- fluid levels;
- lights;
- wipers;
- tyres and
- glass
could save small businesses large sums of money in the long term. Breakdowns, costly repairs and potential accidents can all be avoided by simply keeping a watchful eye on key vehicle maintenance.
A car check day for staff is one way to encourage employees to start thinking about these important but simple checks. In fact, we’ve just had a staff car check day here at Hitachi.
Managers should be encouraged to participate in a dedicated day during which they take employees through basic safety checks on their vehicles – both company and privately owned. This will equip employees with knowledge that will enable them to regularly carry out simple checks to maintain vehicle safety.
Education is an important part of any business practice. And steps, as simple as these, can ensure that employees are kept safe, happy and on the road.