2. Controlling risks associated with driving
The principal or their delegate, in consultation with the HSR and/or employees, are responsible for identifying the risk factors that must be managed to eliminate or minimise the risk of work-related driving incidents or accidents.
Typical controls include:
- planning to reduce the need for driving for school purposes
- checking that the nominated driver is competent and capable of doing their work safely
- checking that if an employee is going to use their private vehicle for school purposes that approval has been obtained by completing the Approval to use a private vehicle on official duties form (DOCX)(opens in a new window) ensuring that the vehicle is appropriately registered and has a current comprehensive motor vehicle insurance policy that specifically covers for Third Party Liability of not less than $20 million – refer to 2.3 Use of private vehicle section of this procedure
- planning work schedules to include fatigue management
- providing adequate time to allow employees to travel via public transport
- checking that the department fleet vehicles – including grey fleet, are inspected and maintained to department fleet standards.
2.1 Planning to reduce the need for driving
The principal or their delegate in consultation with the HSR and/or employees must consider alternate options to driving. This may include:
- using teleconferencing or video conferencing, where practical
- investigating options for alternative forms of transport, for example, train, bus or aeroplane
- arranging for meetings to be held in suitable locations with access to public transport
- where practicable, arranging for meetings to commence no earlier than 10 am or later than 4 pm.
2.2 Assessing driver competency
The principal or their delegate in consultation with the relevant employee must ensure that the employee, who is required to drive, holds a valid driver’s licence and has completed the Application to drive a pool vehicle form (DOCX) (staff login required)(opens in a new window) and Section 1 of the Work-related driving safety checklist – schools (DOCX)(opens in a new window) on an annual basis.
Completed ‘Application to Drive a Pool Vehicle’ forms are to be sent to fleet.service@education.vic.gov.au
2.3 Use of private vehicle
Where an employee is using their private vehicle for school purposes, the Private Vehicle Use policy must also be followed.
Updated