Posted By Warren Fothergill Now then, this is a discussion (and difference of opinion) between me the safety practitioner and the transport manager. It is immediate family use of a company car. I am saying that our duty of care is really an insurance one, that we need to ensure that they are qualified to drive the said car, therefore ask for a licence and do a check with DVLA for validity. Our group insurance allows 'drivers holding a full license' to drive our vehicles. From my viewpoint, under health and safety legislation and duty of care, our duty is serviced through this. Of course the employee undergoes assessment, driver appraisal, issue of policies, guidance etc. The transport manager says that all drivers should be assessed, which extends, he says to the immediate family, who are insured to drive. This he says is best practice. My viewpoint is that under the 'HASAWetc Act', MHSW Regs 99 and PUWER the vehicle is under that regime with relevant controls implemented. Therefore, when it becomes a social tool it is outside the scope, though by checking an intended drivers license we fulfill our moral and legal obligations and we have no further duty of care. ALARP is followed in my example. Your thoughts forum?

Posted By Warren Fothergill CFT Thanks for the quick response. You would laugh, like me at the 'soft' group policy. As a business unit, I want a stronger policy and procedures in place to satisfy my own conscience. As for the members of the family response, you are singing from my hymn sheet, so happy with that. Cheers Wazza

Posted By MT I have been a named additional driver on all of my other half's company cars, and without exception, all that has been required is that I send my driving license to the company, it is copied, my details passed to their insurers, and bingo, I can drive the car. Is there a reason why this person thinks other drivers should be assessed? Lots of accidents caused by them?

Posted By GFB We approach this by getting our company car drivers to sign up to a policy which states that they may give permission for others to drive their cars providing they ascertain that they have an appropriate licence. This cuts down on the bureaucracy involved but also means that in an emergency (or just when you are too tired to drive) you can ask a willing friend or colleague to drive your car. This is particularly useful on long work trips with colleagues and we believe adds to safety. Our company cars are only insured third party and are mainly issued to managerial staff which may make this policy more appropriate.

Posted By Warren Fothergill So we would all feel that best practice is what? There doesn't seem a best practice identified, other than the legal position of just obtaining and checking of 3rd party licensing. Cheers Warren