01/21/2013 (press release: OnlinePR) // UK
Edenred is urging all employers to review their approach to employee eye care as new regulations come into force which will force drivers to prove they are fit to drive.
The rules which are effective from January 19 introduce a new regime for bus and lorry drivers where they either have to self-certify their fitness to drive or provide a medical certificate.
While car and light vehicle drivers are excluded from the rules, statistics which show that business drivers are 30-40% more likely to have an accident than non-work drivers make a strong case for employers to use the new rules as an opportunity to audit driver eye care which is a key contributor to accidents.
Coming in addition to existing regulations around employee VDU use, Edenred is urging employers to take the opportunity to review their approach to employee eye care in order to ensure they minimise any potential liabilities under the Health & Safety Legislation or the Corporate Manslaughter act.
Andy Philpott, sales and marketing director at Edenred said:
“The latest rules on driver fitness add to the confusion around employee eye care. Our view is that it is the best interests of employers to proactively ensure all of their employees’ vision is fit for the work they do.
This should involve updating current policy in light of the new legislation, taking a full audit of the employees who need to be offered eye care, ensuring there is a robust process for offering vision check-ups and keeping appropriate records.
Taking these steps is important both for the health and safety of employees and the wellbeing of the business.”
ENDS
For further information contact:
Edenred UK Press Office:
01442 875129
Notes to editors
– The Vehicle Classes included in the new rules for drivers are C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 or D1E – https://www.gov.uk/become-lorry-bus-driver/new-bus-and-lorry-licence-rules-from-19-january-2013
– Statistics around driver risk come from research from the Green Flag Report on Safe Driving (2007)
– Statistics over the role of eye care in driver accidents come from the Fit to RSA Drive Cost Benefit analysis 2012 http://news.rsagroup.com/assets/view/808
– Employers are obliged to pay for annual sight tests for employees who use VDUs at work
– Employer obligations for eye care come under the Health and Safety Act 1974; Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999; Corporate Manslaughter Bill 2008
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About Edenred
Edenred, is the world leader in prepaid corporate services, designing and delivering solutions that make employees’ lives easier and improving the efficiency of organisations. By ensuring that allocated funds are used specifically as intended, these solutions enable companies to more effectively manage their:
Employee Benefits: Luncheon Vouchers®, Childcare Vouchers®, Cycle2Work, Flexible Benefits, Employee Savings, Total Reward Statements, Employee Discount Schemes, MyWorkOffers®
Expense Management: Premium Card, Eyecare Vouchers®, Clean Way® Vouchers
Incentives, Employee Rewards & Motivation: Compliments Select, Compliments® Card, Compliments® Experiences, Incentive Award Card, Capital Bonds®, Single Store Vouchers, Travel Clubs, Webcentiv®
Communications Services: A comprehensive range of solutions to help organisations engage and motivate their staff
The Group also supports public institutions in managing their social programs.
Listed on the NYSE Euronext Paris stock exchange, Edenred operates in 38 countries, with some 6,000 employees, nearly 580,000 companies and public sector customers, 1.3 million affiliated merchants and 36.2 million beneficiaries. In 2011, total issue volume amounted to €15.2 billion, of which 58% was generated in emerging markets.
All tradenames of Edenred products and services are registered trademarks of Edenred SA.
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