Rarest Words

Difficult driving conditions are prevalent in many parts of the UK, and a law firm is advising companies to review their policies with respect to driving in light of such driving conditions this winter.

Statistically, a third of all fatalities caused by road accidents happen when employees are driving or travelling to work on vehicles, according to a document released by Penningtons Solicitors LLP. Commenting on the document, Philippa Luscombe of Penningtons has said that driving has been listed as the most common cause of fatalities in the workplace, accounting for over 20 deaths and 250 injuries every week. Most of these are cases of employees driving their vehicles or being driven on work-related business.

Luscombe added that every employer should carefully consider the safety aspects of this activity and review their policies regarding the same, if they wish to avoid facing prosecution under the Corporate Manslaughter Act 2007 or facing a potentially damaging personal injury claim from their employees in the future.

According to Luscombe, employers should ensure that driving policies are featured in their health and safety coverage for workers and employees and put up a comprehensive plan to make sure that both senior management and staff take the matter seriously, as it concerns all levels of workers who drive in course of their work.

Highlighting the economic advantages of such a move, Luscombe pointed out that if employees drive carefully and at regulated speeds, they would save the company money by reducing the wear and tear of company vehicles and causing lesser wastage of fuel. Due to safe driving practices, the incidence of mishaps would also reduce, bringing down insurance premiums for the company over the long run and causing fewer loss of productive hours due to accident investigations and sick days taken by employees.

The health and safety consultants from Workplace Law can assist managers and supervisors in all they need to know to help handle health and safety in their teams to learn about the importance of promoting a positive health and safety culture in the workplace environment, and improve upon management skills to help boost team performance for a more effective working practice.