Employers in vehicle rental and leasing must take steps to ensure they are operating safely during the Covid-19 pandemic as businesses attempt to return to normality following lockdown, according to the BVRLA.
Vehicle rental operators have been exempt from business closure as many have played a role in providing vehicles to key workers during the crisis.
But the BVRLA said those operating in leasing, fleet management and many of the trade body’s associate member organisation would be taking their first tentative steps in returning to work.
In response, it has published a guide providing specific advice about how to resume business in a way that protects employees and customers.
Topics include risk assessments, PPE, enhanced cleaning and RIDDOR.
BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said: “This health crisis is not going to disappear any time soon and we must now look ahead at how we can support businesses in this new, post-pandemic environment.
“Ensuring that they can operate safely is key and this new guide will support that.”
Transport lawyer Jonathan Backhouse said firms could be at risk of legal claims unless they manage the risk from Covid-19 effectively.
He said businesses had a defence if they could demonstrate that they had taken all reasonable steps to avoid people contracting the disease: “I think claims in both employment and public liability law are likely to be brought where people can demonstrate that they probably more likely than not got Covid from you, your premises or your employment,” he said.
“That’s a big risk for example in the transport sector.”
