MPs support IAM initiative to lower £1.6bn cost of ‘at-work’ road deaths

DEATHS while driving for work cost the UK more than £1.6bn in 2007.  MPs of all parties are backing a road safety initiative launched by the occupational driver training division of the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) to cut this cost by reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on UK roads.

By completing an IAM Driver Risk Management (DRM) programme to assess and improve their driving, MPs will be setting an example for businesses of all sizes to manage the risks associated with their employees who drive for work.

IAM Fleet Managing Director Seb Goldin said:- “Around a 3rd of all road accidents involve people driving for work, and for every death, there is an associated cost to the economy which can total billions of pounds each year.  This is not acceptable and is why we are asking MPs to take the lead in reducing the alarming road death rate.”

MPs will conduct an IAM online risk assessment of their driving at the launch event - the vital first step of a DRM programme which identifies aspects of an individual’s driving that need development.  From this, a risk rating determines further training needs, ranging from e-learning to personal on-road training to improve driving skills.  IAM training focuses on risk avoidance as well as improving fuel economy, or a combination of the 2.  Safer driving techniques can lead to more fuel efficient driving and contribute to lowering CO2 emissions.

Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick is concerned that people who drive for work are overrepresented in road casualty figures.  “Managing driving for work is as much common sense as running any other part of a business - training and planning of all aspects of operations go a long way to bringing avoidable costs under control. 

In creating a work-related road safety ethos as part of their existing health and safety policies, employers not only make savings that can be delivered straight to their bottom lines – they also save lives, playing their part in cutting the number of needless tragedies that take place on our roads every day,” said Mr Fitzpatrick.

The need for employers to demonstrate their duty of care is underpinned by the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 which came into force in April 2008. 

Mr Goldin added:- “Recent changes to legislation should encourage employers to check whether their company’s systems and processes for managing health and safety are adequate.  Driver training is an essential part of this. 

MPs have taken the lead in demonstrating their duty of care as an employer in their local constituencies by offering this driving assessment to their staff. 

Driver training brings significant employee safety improvements and quantifiable financial benefits, making it a self-funding investment.”

DIRECT PAYMENTS - DIRECT ROUTE TO TROUBLE

UNISON, the UK’s largest public service union, warned that giving patients money to buy their own healthcare paves the way for top-up payments undermines the founding principles of the NHS.

Commenting on the Healthcare Bill being introduced today (16 January) allowing direct payments to patients, Karen Jennings, UNISON Head of Health said:- “There is a world of difference between giving patients greater say over their treatment, which we support, and giving them money to buy-in their own healthcare. 

Choosing the most effective treatment from a range of options is not an easy decision for patients.  We are in real danger of creating a situation where patients use their personal budget ineffectively and then, like Oliver Twist, go back for more.  Or, patients will be persuaded to top up their budgets from their own savings undermining the very founding principle of free healthcare for all.

I have no doubt that these pilots will bring to light a whole range of problems.  I can see massive implications for workforce planning, NHS budgets, a 2 tier-NHS, staff training and development and the possibility of greater rationing. 

Against this background the pilots must be rigorous and long enough to gauge the longer-term implications.  If the problems unearthed are too great or can't be resolved in the pilots, the government should have the courage to stop the rollout."

Liverpool’s Search For a Super Model 2009

COULD you be the city’s next top model? Do you have what it takes to star in the Claire House 2009 fashion show? Then come down to either the Hard Day’s Night Hotel or the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) this January for the open auditions.

We are looking for potential models both male and female aged between 16 and 30 to take part in the Claire House Fashion show to be held in St.  Georges Hall on 11 March 2009.  The show will feature ranges from some of the city’s biggest stores including Stella McCartney Ted Baker, Levi’s and Secret Drawer.  The winners of the competition will not only get the chance to model on the catwalk but will also receive a photo session and portfolio with a top photographer worth hundreds of pounds and a chance to mingle with the city’s fashion elite at the official after show party.  This is a project organised by LIPA Management students, which is an opportunity not to be missed.

Auditions will be held at the Hard Day’s Night Hotel on Saturday, 24 January 2009 between 10am and 4pm and at LIPA on Wednesday, 28 January 2009 between 5pm and 8pm.  If you wish to take part, come down either day for the open castings.

No previous experience is required...