Motor retailers have until 31 December 2003 to obtain the new Health and Safety Executive (HSE) approved Accident Book if they want to avoid contravening new data protection laws, warns the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI).

Having the new format book is a legal requirement. All businesses must have the new book by 31 December 2003 if they are to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA).

Nick Jones, RMI human resources director explains: 'The new Accident Book features tear-out pages which must be detached from the book after they have been filled in, and then filed away separately.'

He continues: 'The new book with its tear-out pages means accident reports can be filed and kept confidential. This allows the Accident Book to conform with the requirements of the DPA by ensuring information about staff is only seen by authorised personnel.'

The book costs £5.58 (including VAT), and is available from the HSE (www.hse.gov.uk).