Employer responsibilities for domiciliary care staff driving for work

Employer responsibilities for domiciliary care staff driving for work

As an employer, care businesses have the important responsibility to ensure the safety of domiciliary care staff who drive as part of their job. The Homecare Association reports that 90% of domiciliary care workers depend on personal vehicles or public transport for their work, collectively travelling more than 4 million miles daily.  Beyond compliance with road traffic laws, employers must adhere to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure the well-being of employees driving for work.

Employer obligations for work-related driving

The Department for Transport estimates that up to one-third of all road traffic accidents involve someone driving for work. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers are required to conduct risk assessments to safeguard both employees and others affected by work activities.

If your organisation has five or more employees, you must have a written health and safety policy, including a section on work-related road safety. This policy should be shared with all staff during their induction.

Employment conditions for domiciliary care workers driving for work

Before hiring, employers should carry out specific checks to ensure that both drivers and their personal vehicles do not pose health and safety risks.

For employee drivers, ensure that they:

• Have suitable insurance coverage.
• Hold a valid driver’s licence.
• Are physically fit to drive safely.
• Receive guidance on proper driving posture.
• Understand basic vehicle maintenance (e.g., tyre pressure, oil levels).

For personal vehicles used for work, they must:

• Hold a valid MOT certificate if older than three years.
• Have proof of road tax and have business insurance that covers work-related driving.
• Be serviced regularly
• Be in good working order and properly maintained.
• Provide registration documents confirming permission to use the vehicle.

Managing the risks of driving for work

While employers cannot control all aspects of employees driving for work, they can manage risks through a structured health and safety system by informing staff that vehicle maintenance is their responsibility, conducting inspections to ensure employees are fit to drive, allowing sufficient time for workers to travel between appointments without feeling pressured to rush, and providing ongoing training on driving policies and safe practices. Although employers cannot control all aspects of employees driving for work, they should manage risks through a structured health and safety system.

Benefits of managing driving risks

By establishing and enforcing a clear policy on work-related driving safety, organisations can reduce risks and enjoy benefits such as minimised vehicle downtime for increased staff availability, fewer missed or delayed patient visits, and reduced days lost to staff injuries.

Howden has more than two decades experience in supporting domiciliary care businesses and we believe that taking these steps will not only ensure compliance but also improve the overall safety and efficiency of your workforce. The insurance market for care providers remains challenging. However, we have partnered with an A-rated insurer to introduce a new insurance scheme designed specifically around the needs of social care providers. Speak to our team to understand how we may be able to help your business.