For business owners, road safety isn’t just about compliance. It can also help keep operations running smoothly by reducing downtime, protecting staff so they can stay on the job, and lowering vehicle and insurance costs.
Road Safety at Work supports owners and management in reaching these goals. It helps improve the safety of people who drive for work or work at the roadside. It raises awareness and provide free online tools and resources that help organizations and drivers prevent work-related vehicle injuries and crashes.
BRITISH COLUMBIA – When hiring an employee who will be required to drive as part of their job, you need to do more than simply check their driver’s licence. You also must ensure the person can drive safely, even if it won’t be their primary duty.
When they’re behind the wheel for work, the vehicle is their workplace and you have responsibilities for their safety.
A driver’s licence shows that someone has met the basic requirements to drive. But it doesn’t guarantee that they are a safe and skilled driver who is suited for the type of driving the job requires.
Road Safety at Work recommends you add some steps to your hiring process to help determine whether a candidate can drive safely:
Check licence, driving record
Ensure the applicant holds a valid licence with the appropriate class for the vehicles that will be used. Ask them for a copy of their ICBC driving record (abstract). Review it for patterns such as repeated violations, suspensions, or incidents. If they’ll be using their own vehicle for work purposes, ensure that they have appropriate insurance and coverage.
Ask about driving experience
Verify the types of driving the applicant has done. For example, ask about the different vehicles they’ve used and how much experience they have with driving in adverse conditions.
Set clear driving expectations up front
Provide candidates with a basic outline of:
- Company driving rules (e.g., distracted driving, speed, impairment)
- Hours of work and scheduling expectations
- Reporting requirements for incidents and near misses
This will ensure applicants understand what safe driving looks like in your workplace.
By being proactive, you can reduce the risk of crashes and help keep employees safe behind the wheel. Visit Road SafetyatWork.ca for more tips on hiring workers who will drive full time, part time, or occasionally.
