Only one in four companies advised their drivers to switch off their phone when driving
What’s the penalty for ignoring health and safety legislation?
Businesses falling foul of health and safety legislation or corporate manslaughter could face tougher penalties.
The Sentencing Council has announced its recommendations for corporate man-slaughter and health and safety offences as guidelines for judges hearing cases.
The new guidelines aim to “ensure sentences are proportionate to the seriousness of the offence while, as required by law, taking into account the financial circumstances of the offender”.
This will include a review of the company’s annual turnover, which the fine will be based on. However, the new guidelines will take into account the company’s overall finances before confirming the amount.
A key risk for at-work drivers is mobile phone use. Studies by safety organization Brake show at-work drivers are much more likely to use mobiles at the wheel than those who do not drive for work.
Research has found that drivers speaking on phones are four times more likely to be in a crash that causes injury, whether on a hands-free or hand-held phone.
Ellie Pearson, senior professional engagement officer at Brake, said, “It’s crucial that all van fleet operators are providing regular and ongoing education and awareness training for their van drivers, and it’s worrying to see that three in 10 operators still fail to do this.
“It’s very positive to see operators providing training on key issues such as distraction and hazard awareness, but obviously we’d like to see a holistic approach to education, covering all areas of risk.”
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