One in three road crashes involves someone using their vehicle for work, placing managers in logistics and transport business at possible risk of jail under a new law which makes employers personally accountable for the safety of their employees during the course of their work.
The findings were revealed at the International Conference on Road Safety at Work, and have been analysed by health and safety training company Pivotal Performance.
The law came into action in January 2009 and breaches could see managers or directors jailed, or face Magistrates Court fines of up to £20,000.
Jane Gillham of Pivotal Performance, said: “It is up to managers to ensure that their employees have been given correct guidance on driving safely while working.”
“This means having policies in place to cover things such as not using handheld mobile phones while driving, and sticking to all relevant road safety laws even if they are running late for an appointment.
“Managers need to do risk assessments on using vehicles for work; put policies in place and ensure employees get training where appropriate. If an employee is hurt while driving during work there is a chance their manager could be prosecuted.”
