The law requires an employer to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of employees whilst at work and this includes driving at work.
Implementing a programme of driver risk assessment and appropriate driver training will ensure your company is complying with the law.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 - requires you to ensure as far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of employees whilst at work. Employees driving on company business are considered to be undertaking a work related activity, and the vehicle they are driving is regarded as a place of work. You also have a legal responsibility to ensure that others are not put at risk by your organisation's work related activities.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 - require you to carry out an assessment of the risks of the health and safety of your employees whilst at work, and to others who may be affected by their work related activities. You are required to review this risk assessment periodically.
Since 2004 police road accident investigators are specifically instructed to consider corporate liability when investigating road accidents. This is in response to the government's tough new targets on reducing road traffic accidents.
Changes to the corporate manslaughter laws mean that from April 2008, companies whose staff are involved in serious accidents could be liable for gross negligence even if no company car is involved.
MSMFDT courses can be made available to all employees who drive for work, it provides a risk assessment of their on road risk and highlights areas where specific training may be required. If you can show that you have effectively managed the on road risk of your fleet employees and provided additional training to any at risk drivers you will protect your company from prosecution under these laws.