According to a study by AXA Business Insurance 45% of businesses are ignorant of the Corporate Manslaughter Act, despite it coming into force in April 2008, and are exposing both management and drivers to unnecessary risk.
The research from AXA reveals a general lack of awareness, poor admin in relation to the paperwork for drivers and vehicles, unchecked damage to van bodywork and windscreens and a casual attitude to core maintenance required to keep vehicles safe.
Vehicle tracking technology, however, offers a relatively simple solution in terms of offering protection against falling foul of the Corporate Manslaughter Act, according to Navman Wireless.
‘It is the responsibility of fleet owners and managers to know which vehicles are getting close to MOT, service, tax or insurance deadlines,’ said Tony Neil, VP of Navman Wireless.
‘Maintenance Status Reports generated by data from vehicle tracking telematics systems provide a practical and dependable mechanism to keep owners and managers on the right side of the law, in the same way that our Duty of Care module, for example, provides an effective, foolproof way to ensure that a business remains compliant of the Corporate Manslaughter Act.’
Neil said Navman’s Duty of Care best practice guide involves drivers carrying out an initial vehicle check every day via their in-cab head up display, before they embark on a job.
‘By compelling drivers to identify any vehicle risks such as bald tyres, low air pressure or faulty lights, the technology safeguards drivers from risk and businesses from prosecution,’ he commented.
‘Our technology also includes speed reports, driver ID technology, stationary vehicle alerts, panic buttons and working time directive compliance facilities to increase a driver’s safety.
‘It’s all about making it easy for our customers to remain compliant with health and safety policies.
The Navman Wireless Corporate Manslaughter guide is available at http://www.navmanwireless.co.uk/learn-how-the-corporate-manslaughter-act-affects-your-business.html
