Ask Elite - April 2010
How can the
Kitemark help with my duty of care responsibilities?
If ever a question came at an appropriate time this is the one. It gives me the
opportunity to blow our own trumpet and still answer the question.
Realising that there could be serious safety issues if vehicles were not
repaired in the correct way members of the Repair Industry, BSi, Thatcham and
the Autobody Professionals Club worked on a standard now known as PAS125 BSi
Kitemark. This was supported by other industry leaders. It is at this point
that I can now blow the trumpet. BSi have confirmed Elite Incident
Management Ltd to be the first Accident Management Company to have a
network of PAS125 BSi accredited repairers providing national coverage, and we
are very proud of this achievement.
Vehicles are becoming lighter and stronger resulting in greater fuel
efficiency to the benefit of fleet operators. The quest for even greater
lightness and strength means that new materials are constantly being introduced
into vehicle construction and this means that the repair industry must stay
abreast with developments and ensure they know what methods are required to
carry out safe repairs. However it doesn’t end with knowing the right methods it
also requires regular updating of equipment and training.
This is assured when the repairer has PAS 125 BSi accreditation as they
are subject to rigorous annual audits giving you peace of mind and confidence
that your drivers are being returned to safe vehicles following a repair.
When you have a duty of care for employees you need to ensure they are
driving safe vehicles. It is never the first accident that causes concern
about the safety of vehicles. It is the second.
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