Abstract
In recent years, various fatal incidents involving police vehicles, fire, ambulance and military have caused these organizations and major fleet operators to examine their processes for vehicle selection, specification, procurement and on- going evaluation with regard to improving safety.
The legislated determinate that a vehicle is a workplace, and the requirements on fleet owners and managers to provide a safe working environment, significantly raises the duty of care obligation for all fleet managers. Failure to understand the implications of incorporating fittings and loads to vehicles without fully researching and considering the impact adds considerable risks for fleet managers.
This paper presents findings from major research projects carried out for large organizations regarding issues of safety, performance specification, testing and evaluation for fleet safety.