For some Fleet Managers the phrase "Out of Site out of Mind" is an apt phrase. However "The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act" will be coming into play from the 8th April 2008.
The Government is seeking to reduce the number of road accidents, it is estimated that 30% of accidents are work related in some way and therefore wider powers are being introduced to allow police to prosecute employers for causing or permitting a wide number of traffic offences.
Companies are now required to put in place a number of processes, schemes and initiatives to ensure that their drivers, in both business vehicles and private vehicles used for business purposes are not put at risk themselves or putting other road users at risk.
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Having a written road safety policy, actively supported by Directors and Management is now a requirement.
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Risk assessment and safe practices that eradicate or minimise risks is required by law.
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All employers are now responsible for the safety of employees driving for any business purpose
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Employers must monitor and regulate drivers hours - even though a tacho may not be fitted.
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Employers must ensure that all employee's understand that the use of a mobile phone whilst the vehicle is moving is illegal and where possible supply hands free kit.
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Employers must ensure that all vehicles, even privately owned vehicles, used for business use are safe, have valid MOT certificates, insurance and are suitable for the job.
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Gross failure on the part of the employer with regard to management of health and safety could result in prosecution under the Act with either an unlimited fine or prison.
However the Act does not require organisations to comply with these new regulations but will take into consideration the management systems, processes and initiatives where an accident or death occurs.
TO DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE CORPORATE MANSLAUGHTER AND COPORATE HOMICIDE ACT 2007 - please click here
