Employer liability for electric vehicle charging

By Brent Wilson

Electrolink Issue: 135

As an employer, if you provide an employee with an electric vehicle which will be taken to their residence for charging, you are responsible under the Health and Safety at work Act which extends beyond the workplace to include the vehicle at the worker's residence.

Peter Morfee says Worksafe’s interpretation of the law makes the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) responsible for the safety of the charging process and is also responsible for the safety of the workers family in proximity to it.

As usually, the employer has little to no control over the safety and integrity of the wiring within the residence, we strongly discourage allowing staff with an employer-owned EV car to charge at home using a Mode 2 charger.

Peter Morfee says “The level of safety and hazard management required by the regulator in a domestic environment will always be far more stringent than a commercial installation because of the higher risks posed to children”.

This is why the guidance is cautious and recommends the PCBU require a dedicated charging station in the residence. The complete earthing system and house wiring should be inspected and tested prior to an EV charger installed.

For an indepth look in to Worksafes guidelines visit: Link here

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