Why Employee Licence Checks Are So Important?

Vehicles are the driving force behind the success of many modern Australian businesses. We rely on them to quickly, easily and efficiently move people and materials within our business operation. A lot of business owners assume that their employees have a valid driver’s licence. Yet this assumption can be a dangerous one that can place your organisation at financial and legal risk.

If your business requires your employees to operate vehicles, make sure you read the following piece on the importance of employee licence checks.

Is It Legal?

As a business owner, you must show a duty of care to your employees and ensure that they are legal and safe to drive for or on behalf of your business. As such it is perfectly legal to perform a driver licence check by contacting the relevant state authority (this can be done online).

Whose Licences Should You Be Checking?

Every single person that you employ and drives for or on behalf of your business - including nominated third parties that have access to a company vehicle - should go through the license checking process. Some vehicles, such as heavy vehicles, would require a special license.

This includes grey fleet drivers (employees driving their own vehicles or vehicles on novated leases), company car users and everyone that has access to a vehicle that is used on work associated business.

The Cost Of Not Carrying Out Employee Licence Checks

Just assuming that your employees have a valid licence can be a very costly mistake. Doing so is not an option for your business or your insurer as both are legally required to ensure that drivers are properly licensed. If not then they are driving illegally and represent a risk to your business and brand reputation.

In the event that an unlicensed employee is involved in an accident or incident while operating your company vehicle, your company could be held responsible and faces the prospects of court appearances, fines, investigations under health and safety legislation and, in a worst-case scenario, charges under corporate manslaughter legislation.

Manage Your Risks With Interlink

Unlicensed drivers are just one of the many risks facing Australian business owners on a daily basis. At Interlink, it's our job to help you manage these risks. We guide our clients with their risk management and make sure that they have the appropriate insurance coverage in place. Get in touch with us today on (08) 9228 2800 or send us an email at enquiries@iibs.com.au.