Managing risk has become increasingly important for companies. Whether drivers are in company-provided cars and vans, or using their own vehicles for business trips (known as Grey Fleet), it’s not something to be ignored.
The Corporate Manslaughter and Homicide Act 2007 means that companies and organisations can be found guilty of corporate manslaughter as a result of serious management failures resulting in a cross breach of duty of care. The Health and Safety Offences Act 2008 provides courts with greater sentencing powers for those who break health and safety law and, when it was introduced, it increased the penalties from previous laws.
Yet whilst the legal aspect is important, many businesses implementing risk management practices are doing so to save money and create a strong safety culture.
“When we discuss risk management with company directors and fleet managers, the main conversation is around the cost savings achieved by introducing safer driving practices” said Gary Benfield.
“A process that checks driving licences, risk assesses drivers and provides driver training, almost all of which can be done online, can see accident levels come down by up to 20%, which is a very sizeable saving indeed.
“Its also inexpensive and simple to implement policies, handbooks and procedures and by identifying driver risk online also saves a fortune on on-road defensive driver training, because you only have to offer it to the 10% or so of drivers who come out high risk.
“With legal compliance being part and parcel of the whole process, it’s a genuine win-win situation for those who take risk management seriously.”
Sandicliffe Motor Contracts offers a full range of risk management services, and companies can implement a complete package of measures or choose specific services.
“The starting point is to get everyone’s driving licences checked directly with the DVLA database,” said Gary. “This should be done for anyone whose role includes driving whilst at work – even if it’s just very occasionally.
“Risk assessing drivers often comes next, however by talking to us we can advise you on the most suitable process to meet your requirements.”
For more information about Sandicliffe Motor Contracts’ approach to contract hire, please call Phil Elms on 01159 466 466 or email [email protected]
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