For immediate use
November 19 2009
VACC calls for year-round assessment of Vehicle Safety.
VACC is reminding business owners that vehicle and fleet maintenance is an on-
going process.
During the recent Safe Work Australia Week, employers and employees were
encouraged to review their approach to ensuring safety within the workplace.
VACC, the peak Automotive Industry body in Victoria, is urging employers and
employees to continue to review their approach to safety in the workplace, in
particular regard to work related vehicles.
Company cars and commercial vehicles are workplaces and, as such, are regulated
by health and safety laws.
“Vehicle Safety should be 24/7 – 52 weeks of the year. Every employer and
employee has a responsibility to continuously monitor the safety of their vehicle or
fleet,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.
“A good source of information for managers and drivers is the ‘Guide to Safe Work
Related Driving’.
“The ‘Guide’ is an important handbook and has been endorsed by the Government,
Police, WorkSafe and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).
“The ‘Guide to Safe Work Related Driving’ states ‘Selection of the safest possible
vehicle needs to be backed up by a preventative maintenance program to ensure
vehicle safety is maximised. A maintenance system ensures that the manufacturer’s
service recommendations are met and that the vehicle complies with roadworthiness
requirements’.
“If a vehicle is neglected and has bald tyres, faulty brakes or broken lights, that
vehicle, regardless of its ANCAP safety rating, is at risk of being involved in a road
traffic accident.
“VACC calls on business owners to read and understand the ‘Guide to Safe Work
Related Driving’. And, as an additional measure, they should ask their participating
VACC repairer to conduct a free Five Point Safety Check when the vehicle is next in
for servicing,” Mr Purchase said.
For a free copy of the ‘Guide to Safe Work Related Driving’ go to www.vacc.com.au
Ends.
NEWS 
