Weather Conditions – does everyone understand their responsibilities? Driving is, for most people, the most dangerous activity they do. Changes in weather conditions could easily make driving more dangerous, whether these are seasonal changes or weather events. Be sure your drivers are aware of the additional risk that comes with heavy rains, strong winds, fog,
Vehicle Roadworthiness – does everyone understand their responsibilities? The legislation on vehicle roadworthiness is very clear – your vehicle must be safe and roadworthy at all times. It’s also important to know that the law applies to both the driver and the operator – they are what as known as jointly and severally liable. In other words, the employee
Sareen reviewed the recruitment of new starters to include licence-checking either during the selection process, or before the employee’s start date. Regular licence checks are then carried out depending on individual driver risk ratings. Initial licence screening has helped to reduce the number of high-risk new starters, and to manage driver risk through training and
All the policies are kept in SharePoint, so can be accessed by any staff member at any time. Any changes are communicated to staff each year at a toolbox talk. More broadly says Ben: “Every morning, we start our meetings with a Safety Tip, Quality Tip, and a Success Story. For example: ‘Safety Tip: Reduce
Northern Powergrid has a strict policy covering driving for business. Its driving for work policy was updated in 2023, covering all aspects of how drivers are expected to perform on the road, and in specific situations, such as breakdown or emergency. All drivers have access to the policy and must acknowledge that they have read
Driver Fatigue and Lack of sleep. Are your drivers sleep aware? It may seem obvious that sleep is important to us all, but for HGV drivers, Van drivers, and everyone who drives for work, it’s critical. Download this Road Skills Online Poster to help get the message across.
Trust vehicles carry aggregates, tools and equipment and so loading requirements can vary. The organisation has two sets of mobile scales and visits two depots, unannounced every month to check the weights of vehicles. This is both educational for the drivers and gives an immediate insight into risk. Of 100 vehicles weighed this year, two
The Trust has invested in specific driver training for new starters and those in need of improvement. No one with less than two years driving’ experience can drive a Trust vehicle, but Steve says that issues with drivers tend to be attitudinal rather than skill-based. The training emphasises good anticipation, and light-footed acceleration and braking.
Did you know? 1 in 5 accidents are caused by tiredness. Peak times for fatigue-related crashes are within the hours of 02.00-06.00 and 14.00-16.00. Sleeping just 4-5 hours a night for a week impairs performance to the same extent as being legally over the alcohol limit.
As well as the Driver Metrics modules, Reka looks for ways to keep drivers engaged with ongoing communication about road safety. She says not all safety messaging should come from the designated safety officers. “It is important to involve others. For us, involving those who are well respected and well known within our organisation helped
