A Company Vehicle Policy outlines the framework and expectations related to company vehicle usage. The policy aims to create a safe and healthy working environment by managing the risks associated with company vehicle usage, ensuring the well-being of employees, and minimizing potential hazards.
This Company Vehicle Policy template should be customised by a competent person, signed by a top-level manager (e.g. the director), and displayed in the workplace or provided by other means (e.g. website). It should also be communicated to new workers as part of their induction or onboarding process.
This document is a template only and it must be customised for your business. Other aspects that need to be considered include ensuring that:
This document should be displayed in a prominent area or uploaded to your website/ centralized document system. You should also use it during employee inductions, and you may wish to refresh your workers on the contents of the policy periodically as part of a safety meeting or refresher training.
This document should be endorsed with the signature of the appropriate top-level manager (such as a director). It can be used by your Safety Advisor, Project Manager, or other Manager/s to communicate the requirements to workers (including new workers).
Generally, under the WHS legislation, there is no specific legal requirement to have or display a Company Vehicle Policy. However, it is best practice. It can help meet general legal duties, including:
s(19)(3)a WHS Act – Duty to Provide a Safe Working Environment
Workers also have legal responsibilities, including:
A Company Vehicle Policy provides a set of guidelines for using, maintaining, and managing company-owned or leased vehicles. The policies usually cover safety, insurance, maintenance, and rules for employees driving these vehicles.
Company Vehicle Policies ensure safe, efficient vehicle use, help minimize risks, protect assets, ensure legal compliance, promote accountability, and set clear expectations for employees driving company vehicles.
Common components of company vehicle policies include eligibility criteria, safe driving guidelines, maintenance requirements, accident reporting procedures, personal use rules, and consequences for policy violations.
In some places, company vehicle policies may extend to unconventional modes of transport, such as bicycles or scooters, reflecting a commitment to eco-friendly commuting options. These policies not only promote sustainability but also encourage employee health and well-being through active transportation choices.