12th October 2011, 07:48 PM
Quote:It may be worth checking though, for drivers especially, that they are insured if they are not on the clock for a 4hour chunk of the day and what would happen in the event of an accident?this is of most concern to me.
Legal position.... what is the Driving at Work policy from the company - there must be one if you are expected to be a driver, especially for people who are then also working in the intervening period. It can be argued that those who are driving are actually working wheras those in teh transport are not... it is one of those moot points. HOWEVER.... if there is an accident, then teh company is usually found responsible if it does not have a clear policy on this. if people are injured or god forbid killed then the company itself will bear the responsibility. Talk... and talk now with the management. Have you Union representation? As they are an RO, contact the IfA and ask for some clarification.
Personally - if I was expected to drive people 2 hours there and 2 hours back... I would not be fit to work all day and then drive back WITH passengers. Think about it - the company may want to work with you on this.
http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Vehicles_at_Work/D..._for_Work/
and consider this:
Commuting to work is not generally classified as driving for work, except where the person’s journey starts from their home and they are travelling to a work location that is not their normal place of work.
In the case of journeys taken in a vehicle provided an employer, such as a van, jeep or fleet car, an employer has a duty of care to ensure the safety of employees using the vehicle. Employers should have appropriate policies and procedures in place to ensure safety when employees drive a work-provided vehicle or drive their own vehicle for work.
Driving for work involves a risk not only for drivers, but also for fellow workers and members of the public, such as pedestrians and other road users. As an employer or self-employed person, you must, by law, manage the risks that may arise when you or your employees drive for work. Employers should have systems in place to ensure that Driving for Work activities are road safety compliant. Employers cannot directly control roadway conditions, but they can promote and influence safe driving behaviour and actions by their employees.