http://pshs-wvccomputersciencedepartment.blogspot.com/2008/11/further-health-and-safety-legislation.html
The Health and Safety (Offences) Act, the brainchild of Labour MP Keith Hill, gained royal assent on 16th October 2008 and will come into force in January 2009. Under the new Act, employees, managers and company directors who fail to demonstrate compliance with health and safety regulations could now be subject to large fines and, in severe cases, a jail sentence of up to two years. Cybit believes that the legislation will trigger further interest in the role of telematics in relation to work related road safety, as an increasing number of companies look to new technology in order to monitor their workforce. Vehicle Telematics can assist companies in managing compliance by providing remote visibility and data on driver behaviour. Key advantages of the web-delivered tracking software include an ability to remotely monitor hours worked, time driven without breaks, speeding, harsh braking and acceleration as well as vehicle information available through CanBus integration, including vehicle axle weight and hazard warnings.The British Safety Council is also in support of this Act. CEO Brian Nimick believes the Act; "highlights the importance of the use of best practice in the workplace and sends a very clear message to employers that neglecting health and safety regulation is not acceptable and will be punished."John Wisdom, Sales and Marketing Director, Cybit, commented: "The Corporate Manslaughter and Homicide Act made many organisations look harder at Health and Safety. This new Act allows for fleet managers and company Directors to be jailed for failings in this area. We believe this will drive renewed interest and, more importantly, action."Cybit's growth has previously been fuelled by a corporate need to manage costs, emissions and customer service. Recent parliamentary legislation, including April's Corporate Manslaughter Act and this latest private member's bill, provide further incentive for organisations to invest in technology to monitor their compliance. We believe that compliance is key to a successful business and telematics provides systematic procedures and exception reporting that enhances an organisation's ability to comply without any undue administrative burden".Richard Horsman, Cybit's CEO added: "Cybit was first to market with a solution that specifically addressed the Health and Safety guidelines established by the Government and we remain one of the few companies in our market that has taken this step. We recognised some years ago the need for telematics to not only provide customers with a strong Return On Investment, but also to help them manage legislative compliance. In the next few months we will be delivering further enhancements in order to help our customers assess more easily and cost effectively the drivers who are putting their organisations at risk, and threatening fleet managers and Directors alike with prison sentences of up to two years".
posted by: Edgardo T. Severino Jr.
