Vehicle Safety Checklist for Hospitality & Tourism
A pre-use safety checklist for business vehicles and fleet operations, covering mechanical condition, documentation, and driver requirements.
Includes food safety compliance (HACCP), RSA requirements, liquor licensing documentation, and tourism accreditation record keeping.
Complete Checklist
- 1Check tyre condition, pressure, and tread depth on all tyres including the spareCritical
- 2Test all lights including headlights, brake lights, indicators, and hazard lightsCritical
- 3Check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windscreen washer levels
- 4Inspect windscreen for cracks and check wiper blade condition
- 5Test the horn, brakes, and parking brake for correct operationCritical
- 6Check that mirrors are clean, intact, and correctly adjusted
- 7Inspect seatbelts for damage and test buckle operationCritical
- 8Check that the vehicle registration is current and label is displayed
- 9Verify that current insurance documentation is in the vehicle
- 10Inspect the vehicle body for new damage and record any findings
- 11Check that the first aid kit and fire extinguisher are present and current
- 12Verify that the driver holds a valid licence for the vehicle classCritical
- 13Check that any load is secure and within the vehicle's rated capacity
- 14Confirm the driver is fit to drive and not affected by fatigue, medication, or substancesCritical
- 15Record the pre-use inspection on the vehicle log sheet
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the employer's obligations for staff who drive for work?
Employers must ensure vehicles provided for work are roadworthy and maintained, drivers hold the appropriate licence, fatigue management policies are followed for long-distance driving, and mobile phone policies are enforced. Under WHS law, driving for work is a workplace activity and all duties of care apply. This includes both company vehicles and employees using their own vehicles for work purposes.
What should be included in a company vehicle policy?
A comprehensive vehicle policy should cover who is authorised to drive company vehicles, licence requirements, pre-use inspection obligations, accident and incident reporting procedures, fuel and maintenance responsibilities, personal use rules, mobile phone and distraction policies, fatigue management requirements, and consequences for traffic infringements and policy breaches.
How often should business vehicles be serviced?
Follow the manufacturer's recommended service intervals, which are typically based on kilometres driven or time elapsed. Most vehicles require servicing every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometres or every six to twelve months. Vehicles in heavy use or harsh conditions may require more frequent servicing. Daily pre-use checks by the driver complement but do not replace scheduled maintenance.
Need help implementing these checks into your daily operations?
Our team can build custom checklists integrated into your daily operations workflow.