RoSPA Press Office : Press Releases : 1999

New findings about occupational accident investigations suggest they need to be led by line managers rather than safety professionals, if they are to be fully effective, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents revealed today. Emphasis needs to be placed on identifying underlying weaknesses in health and safety management systems, rather than on the more common practice of apportioning blame. Full Story»

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is organising a new series of courses aimed at cutting the number of accidents involving company car and van drivers. Designed for fleet, transport and health and safety managers, the training sessions are the latest phase of RoSPA’s campaign on Managing Occupational Road Risk (MORR). Delegates will receive a copy of Creating an Accident Free Culture by Ed Dubens to help them conduct a strategic review of their fleet’s risk profile. Full Story»

Many companies may be risking prosecution as a result of not making regular checks on employees’ driving licences, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents warned today. New research for the AA Foundation for Road Safety Research suggests there could be as many as 800,000 unlicensed drivers on the roads. Full Story»

A court case in which two company directors were convicted of manslaughter is a warning to all fleet operators of the dangers of allowing drivers to spend too many hours at the wheel, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said today. The two haulage firm directors were accused at the Old Bailey of being "grossly negligent" in allowing their driver to spend more than 60 hours a week at the wheel - breaking the law on driving hours. He fell asleep and caused a fatal crash. Full Story»

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is predicting a surge in the number of road crashes unless motorists take their time after the clocks go back this weekend. Car and pedestrian accidents peak in October and November, coinciding with darker evenings and deteriorating weather conditions. Full Story»

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents issued a new plea to parents and shopkeepers today after a spate of firework incidents which have led to serious injuries and damage. David Jenkins, RoSPA Product Safety Adviser, said: "With two weeks still to go to bonfire night, we are seriously concerned about the reports of misuse of fireworks throughout the UK. Full Story»

Lord Davies of Oldham is the new President of The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. He was elected at the Society’s annual meeting in Birmingham today, and succeeds Lord Astor of Hever in the post. Full Story»

Directors must lead by example to prove they take health and safety seriously, more than 70 business leaders will be told at a conference in London on Wednesday. Roger Bibbings, Occupational Safety Adviser for The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said that more board-level directors had to be persuaded that health and safety was a strategic business issue. Full Story»

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents today welcomed the publication of Road Code - the new road safety guide specifically for young road users. Dave Rogers, RoSPA Road Safety Adviser, said: "Road Code is in a style which should appeal to young road users. Full Story»