Driving Insight - Fleet Risk Management
Daily rental and duty of care Ian McKenzie, group business development director, FMG Support
Fleet operators recognise that avoiding effective risk management for drivers and other road users is no longer an option. But we need to question whether the steps currently being taken to address this are adequate.
It is encouraging that businesses now accept the value of daily rental providers in ensuring consistent standards in vehicle cover and condition. However, this contribution alone cannot guarantee that a fleet is meeting its requirements in terms of risk reduction.
As with any risk management strategy, the absence of robust policies will leave businesses and employees exposed to greater levels of vulnerability. We must look beyond just placing drivers in well-maintained, fully insured rental vehicles and take the wider issues into consideration. For example, drivers of an unfamiliar rental vehicle will increase their chances of having an accident unless they are fully briefed on its functions before leaving the depot. Something as simple as being unaware that the indicator is on the opposite side of the steering wheel can cause undue confusion or hesitation, resulting in an incident.
We must also address attitudes towards driving rental vehicles. Without measures to ensure that drivers behave responsibly, fleet operators will find that employees have more accidents in rental vehicles if they are not treated with the same care as owned vehicles.
It is evident that the responsibility for managing these issues rests with both the operator and the rental provider. Consequently, the key to maximising the value of daily rental within a duty of care strategy is to create an environment where all systems, procedures and attitudes are channelled towards ensuring that each rental vehicle is treated with the same safety precautions as if it was the company’s own.
Success will be based on the ability of both parties to implement and deliver a policy that covers all requirements. This cannot be achieved without taking a holistic approach to risk assessment. At a minimum, this involves revising supplier communication methods, restructuring operators’ internal reporting mechanisms, and most importantly creating a culture that places health and safety and duty of care at the heart of the business.
A risk management strategy must be flexible enough for operators using either fleet or rental vehicles. It is undoubtedly a complex issue, but implementing these measures will kick start the process of establishing a successful, robust and long-term strategy.
