More than as 1 in 4 small businesses could find themselves at risk of breaching the law when the new Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act comes into force next month.
In a recent survey of small businesses conducted by National Car Rental and businessmotoring.co.uk, 26% of respondents said they encouraged staff to use their private cars for business. And 8% operated cash for car schemes.
It is this ‘grey fleet’ – private cars used for business – that is leaving many small businesses exposed to potential health and safety pitfalls.
“A vehicle used for business travel is regarded as a place of work,” commented Frank Reynolds, small business specialist, National Car Rental.
“It is therefore subject to all the same health and safety legislation that applies to the workplace. This puts an immense administrative burden on small businesses to monitor and control the quality of vehicles being used by their staff.
“Transport solutions have got to be easy to manage and cost-effective. So it’s no great surprise that many small businesses encourage staff to use private vehicles for business, or offer cash for cars. However, something as everyday as a member of staff visiting the Post Office in their own car will now be covered by the new law.
“Fortunately, many businesses recognise this issue. They have turned to vehicle rental for a safe and flexible solution. Indeed, in the survey, 18% of respondents said they currently use daily rental as a business transport solution.
“It eliminates the need to spend time and money ensuring employees’ private vehicles are suitable for business use. And while vehicle rental is not the sole solution, we believe it should be a key element of a risk management strategy.”
Further information
- Click on the link for a free factsheet on tackling duty of care issues
- Read our Top Tips article on How to deal with the new Corporate Manslaughter law
- Further Advice Centre help is available in What is road road risk management?
New survey from National and businessmotoring.co.uk highlights issue
