NEW research has highlighted the need for drivers who use their own car at work to take care.

In a study by Zurich Risk Services, more than half of businesses have admitted that they do not look after the specific safety needs of employees who drive private cars for work purposes.

And it is smaller firms which are less likely to examine the needs of their drivers.

Seven out of 10 businesses with up to 10 employees admitted they do nothing compared to four out of 10 businesses employing over 100 people.

Andy Price, senior risk consultant for motor fleet for Zurich Risk Services, said: "Under health and safety legislation, employers are required to conduct risk assessments of their employees before letting them drive on business.

"But our research demonstrates that many employers are not risk assessing employees that use privately owned vehicles for work-related travel.

"We are urging companies to look at areas such as the vehicle's age, engine capacity, safety features and service history."

Earlier this summer Zurich released figures highlighting that a third of all car accidents involve someone at work adding up to about 1,000 fatalities every year.

And a fortnight ago Arval PHH, which is based in Windmill Hill in Swindon, urged firms to carry out a regular "driver MOT" just as conscientiously as regular checks are made on vehicles.

Zurich also believes that businesses are leaving themselves open to the threat of substantial fines and in extreme cases, prosecution in the event of a collision involving one of their employees because they are not

prioritising work-related driver safety.

Just over half (51 per cent) of the businesses surveyed said they are unaware of the "Driving at Work" guidance on managing work-related road safety, issued by the Health and Safety Executive and Department for Transport in September last year.

Furthermore, four out of 10 businesses admitted they don't conduct risk assessments for any employees that drive on company business.

Nearly two thirds (61 per cent) of businesses said they have no specific budget allocated to implement and maintain a fleet risk management programme, meaning that employees driving on business may not be getting the training and support they need to drive safely.

Mr Price said: "We are urging businesses to get a copy of the Driving at Work guidance, which is available free from the Health and

Safety Executive.

"Zurich also has a dedicated 24-hour risk consultancy phone line which customers can use to check up on legislation and get support in undertaking risk assessments, particularly those with health and safety as part of their job."