POLICIES AND HANDBOOKS
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 states in its first paragraph that "It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees." It goes on to state the following.
- The provision and maintenance of plant and systems of work that are, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health;
- Arrangements for ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, safety and absence of risks to health in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances;
- The provision of such information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of his employees;
The New Corporate Manslaughter Act 2007 places the responsibility firmly in the lap of the employer to make sure their systems and procedures are adequate. If a fatal accident were to occur then it is probable that the police and HSE would investigate the causation. If it was due to negligence by the company heavy penalties including imprisonment of senior manager / directors are possible. Also fines up to 10% of annual turnover and publicity notices can be handed out.
We can you create the necessary manuals and handbooks to help create an audit trail and help you to keep better records so you can have more control of your drivers and vehicles.
