Many businesses with company vans are not following the most basic of steps to protect themselves against potential prosecution in the event of an accident, according to AXA Business Insurance.

Its study of 300 businesses with one or more vans found that nearly half (45%) are totally unaware of the term corporate manslaughter despite its introduction five years ago.

As well as a general lack of awareness, the research from AXA revealed three main areas of concern in the way businesses manage their vans: poor admin in relation to the paperwork for drivers and vehicles, unchecked damage to van bodywork and windscreens, and a casual attitude to core maintenance required to keep vehicles safe.

Darrell Sansom, managing director at AXA Business Insurance said: “Corporate manslaughter is a very serious charge that carries an unlimited fine. 

“While the number of businesses who are simply unaware of its existence is alarming, our research shows that negligence is apparent among those who are both aware and unaware. 

“We want to warn businesses that keeping on top of relevant HSE legislation is vital to avoid leaving themselves exposed.”

Key findings of the research:

Poor admin

  • Three in ten companies have not checked the insurance details for those driving their company vans
  • 8% of companies have failed to check whether those driving the company van hold a valid driver’s licence
  • 85% of those interviewed were confident that their company van(s)’ MOTs are up to date – leaving 15% who weren’t
  • 6% “don’t know” who is responsible for the servicing of the company van(s)

Vehicle damage

  • 46% of company vans carry minor, and probably insignificant scratches/dents, but a further 25% have medium sized dents and 14% have large and unassessed areas of damage that could potentially affect the safety of the van
  • 22% have unrepaired damage to exhausts bumpers or mirrors
  • 55% have chips in their windscreen - something that is easily fixed but left unattended can lead to serious issues with driver visibility

Attitude to maintenance

  • 9% of those questioned serviced their vehicles less than once a year and a further 6% never do so
  • More than one in ten (12%) checked tyre pressure and tread just once a year or even less.  And 5% never do it
  • Fluid levels (oil and water) are left unchecked for a year or more by 15% with another 6% never checking. Only one in three will top up the anti-freeze when winter weather sets in
  • One in four test the brake function/fluid of their van just once a year or less

The Highway Code recommends that core maintenance, such as checking tyre pressure and fluid levels, is done on a weekly basis

Darrell Sansom, concluded: “Sadly as an insurer, we all too often see the results of people failing to comply with rules and regulations designed to keep road-users safe.

“And while we know that often there is no intent to break the rules we also know that complacency can carry a very heavy price-tag.”

Tips for keeping your company vans and drivers safe

  • Check the paperwork of all drivers who are driving a company vehicle. This should include their insurance and licence. And if you have any concerns investigate thoroughly
  • If your staff are using their own vehicles for company business, similarly check that they have the legal paperwork to do so – this will mean having business insurance cover on their motor insurance. 61% have colleagues who use their own vehicle for work
  • If a member of staff has any health issues, ensure that you check these are compatible with continued safe driving
  • Make sure there is a thorough process in place, and someone responsible for servicing vehicles and keeping MOTs up to date
  • When one of your vehicles is damaged/involved in a bump, make sure you take it to be checked (and repaired) straight away. Sometimes “invisible” damage can lead to the vehicle being dangerous to drive, eg a bent chassis
  • Ensure regular checks are made of tyre pressure/tread, oil and water and other key areas of maintenance. Make it clear who is responsible for this and check that it is being done
  • When the weather gets bad, make sure your vans are winter-proofed with sufficient anti-freeze, screen wash and if necessary winter tyres. Also, allow your drivers more time to get between jobs
  • Even when the weather is not bad, look at schedules that allow your drivers to travel safely between jobs rather than having to rush to keep to unrealistic timescales
  • If your vans are carrying heavy loads be aware that the handling of the van can be altered
  • Remember that any goods being transported must, under law, be securely stowed
  • Read the relevant HSE guidance

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