What is ‘Corporate Manslaughter’?
UK Driving Laws and Corporate Manslaughter
Corporate manslaughter is a crime that is committed by a company in relation to a work-related death.
The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act was implemented on April 6, 2008 and will affect all companies regardless of size. The new law will mean that, organisations can be prosecuted where a safety failure is the cause of work-related deaths. (Under the new act it no longer needs to be the sole cause of death) Such cases will not be limited to fatal accidents in fixed workplaces, but will include cases of death on the road.
Driving as part of the job, is the most dangerous work-related activity performed by most employees in the UK 95% of all road accidents are caused by human error and it is estimated that a third of accidents in the UK involve someone driving for work.
If found guilty an organisation could be ordered to:
- Pay an unlimited fine (In some cases where the offence is so serious an order may be made to close it down)
- Take remedial action within a specified period
- Publicise nationally full detail of there conviction (at the organisation cost) including size of fine and remedial action
- Employers can no longer pass all responsibility and blame for a fatal crash on to the driver
Driving - What must UK businesses do to protect themselves?
- Driver risk assessment (free from Bill plant Fleetcraft Ltd)
- Driving assessments
- Driver training
- Issue a driver hand book
- Check driving licence regularly
- Record crash data
Research has found that the accident liability of fleet trained drivers reduces considerably compared to drivers who have not received any driver training. Additional benefits include reduced fuel consumption, and vehicle wear and tear.
Time to act now
Driving at work is a high risk activity. When things go wrong the costs can be substantial in both time and money. Ignoring Occupational Road Risk (ORR) is not a sound business decision.
Our team of Advisors can help your company select and tailor an Occupational Road Risk programme which suits your company needs.
With a nation wide network of fully trained and qualified tutors, trainers and advisors, Bill Plant Fleetcraft ltd can provide tailored Driver Assessments, Training and Occupational Road Risk Management and Consultancy services anywhere UK.
Fleet Trainers Required