Corporate Manslaughter
An article published in the Times on Thursday 25th October 2007 drew attention to the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act coming in to effect on April 6, 2008 which will affect all companies regardless of their size.
The Times article pointed out that employers will face prosecution over crashes that involve the 3 million company cars and the 1 million employees whose own cars that are used on company business. In this latter category, employers have a duty to ensure that the employees own vehicle is properly insured for business use, has a current MOT certificate and is regularly maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
It is a know fact that driving when part of ones job is the most dangerous of all work related activities, with over one third of UK accidents involving someone driving for work, it is sobering to note that 150 deaths and serious injuries are incurred in accidents involving someone driving for business each week.
Regrettably, there will always be accidents involving motor vehicles, but research has shown that drivers who have participated in fleet training are far less likely to be involved in an accident, with the added benefit of less wear and tear on the vehicle and a reduced fuel consumption. Driving at work is a high risk activity and the time to act is now.
Published by admin on October 29th, 2007 in Corporate Manslaughter
";
This is one of the most important laws to be passed in the last few years, it will mean the all company’s will after look at there drivers driving records and do a driver assessment (sometimes in car) to protect there company (and do something about the poor driving standard)
If they do not do this they could face the company being shut down
Too many times in the pass company’s have got away with just letting the driver take the can!
Now company”s must do something
It is important the directors understand that just because the new law is aimed at company it dose not mean that they will be off the hook, they can still be prosecuted under section 37 of the health safety at work act