Pictured above: Abacus Director Martin Cox

Leading Nottingham-based telecommunications specialist the Abacus Business Consultancy issued a strong warning to businesses to take steps to protect their workforce, in the wake of the first conviction under new Corporate Manslaughter legislation.

Geologist Alexander Wright from Cheltenham died in September 2008 when a pit he was working in alone collapsed on him near Stroud, Gloucestershire. His employer Cotswold Geotechnical was found guilty in Winchester Crown Court of Corporate Manslaughter relating to Mr Wrights death.

The convicting judge, said the gross breach by the company of Mr Wright Duty of Care was "a grave offence". In sentencing, the judge handed down a fine of £385,000, stating that the fine marked the gravity of the offence and the hope it would have as a deterrent on businesses who fail to adhere to health and safety laws.

Reacting to the ruling, Abacus Director Martin Cox commented: "Up until now, many businesses have paid lip service to the idea that they are responsible for the safety and well-being of their remote workers. This case highlights the fact that ignorance truly isn't bliss and that firms do have a very real duty of care to their staff.

"Through effective monitoring of staff whereabouts with GPS technology that Abacus can offer, employers are able to build up a picture of habits and see at any given moment the exact location of their staff.

"This technology can pinpoint any issues quickly and avoid any problems from legislation in the future. Cost shouldn't be an issue in this, but its a very real fact that this product has saved many tens of thousands to our customers as well as insulating them from any potential litigation."

The Abacus Business Consultancy is based on the NG2 Business Park in Nottingham and is a patron of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce.

The firm works with a host of top manufacturers such as BlackBerry, Nokia, Crystal Ball and Navman Wireless to offer telecoms and vehicle/mobile phone tracking solutions to local and national customers.

The company offers a no-obligation consultation of its clients' telecoms and fleet usage and will analyse individual business needs to look for ways to improve staff productivity.

Because the company is independent and works with a range of providers, it can produce a tailored and cost-effective solution ranging from business mobile phones, fixed lines and call management, through to vehicle and device tracking to ensure that companies get the most efficient use of their fleet and staff, especially current with fuel costs rising so frequently.