Brokers and clients fail law test

Just 22% of brokers claim to be aware “to a large extent” of the Corporate Manslaughter Act an Allianz survey or more than 1,500 brokers has found.

• 44% of brokers are unaware of the penalties proposed under the Act
• 42% said insurers do not provide brokers or their clients with sufficient support to manage their responsibilities under this legislation.
• More than 80% said that fewer than 10% of their clients have contacted them about this legislation
• More than 20% of brokers estimate that, of clients who employ five or more staff, fewer than half hold an up-to-date written-down health and safety policy - a statutory requirement.

Heavy sentences

Roger Ball, commercial motor manager at Allianz Commercial, said: “Last week the Sentencing Guidelines Council released their sentencing framework stating that organisations guilty of corporate manslaughter can be given up to a seven-figure fine, and rarely less than £500,000, as well as remedial and publicity orders.

“The guidelines have provided a compelling reason for organisations to enforce effective and continuous risk management programmes.

“In competitive markets, with a difficult economic climate and thin profit margins, businesses can ill afford to risk their reputation by cutting corners on their health and safety responsibilities."