Industry News » Fleets Unaware of Health & Safety Offences Act

09-04-2009

A recent Fleet News poll has revealed that the majority of fleets (74% of those that took part) were unaware of the recent amendment to the Health & Safety at Work Act, the Health & Safety Offences Act introduced in January.

The new rules have raised the maximum fine from £5,000 to £20,000 and broadened the range of offences for which individuals can be jailed.

Unlike the Corporate Manslaughter and the Corporate Homicide Act, a breach of the Health & Safety Offences Act will not have to result in death, and it is individuals who will be prosecuted, not companies.

Individuals that fail to manage risk for at work drivers could be jailed for up to two years.  An accident due to poorly maintained vehicles could lead to you being prosecuted if there is a lack of evidence to support how you manage road risk. 

Implementing recommendations from a risk assessment and creating an audit trail are key to demonstrating responsible practices.

Fleet Car Inspection System

SG World's Fleet Car Inspection System, Safe-fleet can help you to manage the risk of poorly maintained vehicles.

The Fleet Car Inspection System will ensure that all of your company cars receive a daily or weekly safety inspection, helping to keep your employees safe whilst driving at work.

Safe-fleet provides a visible indicator as to whether the vehicle is safe to drive and also keeps an accurate record of all your inspections giving you a complete audit trail.

The Fleet Car Inspection system uses a simple checklist that all car users complete at regular intervals.  The checklist can be completed quickly and easily.