Employers Beware if Employees Use a Work Mobile Device on the Road
Employers have and can be held responsible for their employees' "distracted driving" if the employee is driving and using a mobile device provided by the employer.
Hefty lawsuits have made companies foot more than the cell phone bill. Companies of all sizes can be "vicariously" responsible for the negligence of their employee who cause a car accident while talking on a cell phone, because the cell phone is paid for by the company.
Since 2001, the growing number of jury awards forcing businesses to pay for the negligence of their employees shows this is a real concern.
Risk prevention specialists at Zurich Services Corporation suggest:
"A prudent practice for every company to consider is developing an electronics usage policy and implementing it uniformly to help proactively manage this risk in their operations where physical exposures exist."
A policy that restricts the use of any company technology in a distracting manner while driving is a start. Remind employees that safety precautions regarding the use of any technology gadget in or out of work should always be taken. Enforce rules consistently: all employees should be subject the same restrictions when it comes to safety on the road with work-related technologies.
Though a policy of this nature cannot absolutely prevent employees from committing "distracted driving," the strict reminder will certainly convey its importance.
