Warning for Shropshire employers over staff car use
Shropshire bosses have been urged to keep a close eye on workers who use their own cars on company business.
Dave Williams, of Henshalls Insurance Brokers, in Newport and Shrewsbury, said many employers may be completely unaware that they could be held personally liable if an employee in a private vehicle was involved in an accident.
He said: "Most employers know that health and safety law applies to on-the-road work activities, but it may be a surprise to learn that they need to take as much care of these drivers as they do those who drive company-owned, lease or hire vehicles.
"But no matter who owns the car your staff use, as a director the onus is on you to ensure the vehicle is safe, otherwise you could risk being held responsible for any employee's negligence."
The criteria requires the vehicle to be insured for business use and, if necessary, insured to carry colleagues as passengers.
It also needs to be roadworthy, have an MOT certificate if required, have been serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and be suitable for the journeys your employee plans to take.
