COMMENT
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STOPPING THE BUCK
Are you ready to shoulder the blame, face the music, take the rap? If you're the manager of a road transport company and you're not taking your responsibilities seriously you could find yourself charged with corporate manslaughter. Not because you were reckless—just negligent in your control of your employees' actions. Home Secretary Jack Straw is considering making it easier to bring corporate manslaughter charges against the heads of companies—and that could put hauliers in the firing line. lithe law is changed then everything your employees do, every misdemeanour, every error of judgement, could ultimately rebound on you. So if your drivers misbehave out on the road you'll be held responsible. Why? Because it's your job to keep them legal. Not just by telling them what not to do, but by checking and monitoring them and, if necessary, firing them when they-don't toe the line. Neglect those management responsibilities and you cou d be asked by a judge: "And why was it Mr Soap, that your employers were allowed to behave like this? As the man in charge what did YOU do to stop it?" An answer of "Well, Milud, I er...that is I can't very well keep track of everything they get up to...can I?" will not cut any ice in court. Of course Government plans to support a law for whistleblowers could mean that you'll be reported for what you've done, or haven't done, anyway. So the chances of your appearing in court will double. The reason you're called a manager is simple. It's to run a profitable, efficient but above all else safe operation. Is that last bit something you've neglected?