Managing Occupational Road Risk - 'reduce costs, improve performance, increase confidence'

Managing Occupational Road Risk (MORR)

Are you managing your occupational road risks.  All Employers  have a clear and legal HSE obligation to manage risks     effectively within their workplace. 

Your road risk policies should include activities such as, mobile phone use, fatigue, speeding, collision reporting, vehicle checks and driver training and development.  Driver activities should be monitored, assessed and evaluated.  Journeys should be planned and drivers need to understand their responsibilities.  A top-level commitment to work-related road safety is essential.

Following a fatal RTC involving one of your drivers, the Police  will want to examine your vehicle and business records. These need to be accessible, transparent and robust enough to stand up to scrutiny.  The introduction of the Homicide and Corporate Manslaughter Act 2007, means directors and managers face hefty fines and imprisonment where negligence has been proven. 

 The Benefits of Managing Work Related Road Safety:

• Allows for better control over costs, such as vehicle wear and tear, fuel, insurance premiums and legal fees.
• Allows you to make informed decisions about matters such as driver training, vehicle purchase and helps identify where health and safety improvements can be made.
• Fewer work related collisions, which includes:  Less days lost to injury, reduced risk of work related ill health, reduced stress and increased morale, less staff and vehicle downtime, reduced vehicle operating costs through better driving standards, fewer missed deliveries and increased business opportunities and profile.

Drive Safe UK provides bespoke Fleet Risk Management across the East Midlands.  To arrange a free consultation call 01427 617855 or email drivesafeuk@gmx.co.uk  

What is SAFED?

Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving (SAFED) is a one day, driver training programme that aims to improve safe and fuel efficient driving techniques of commercial vehicle drivers.  It involves a mix of classroom and on the road tuition.  Each driver is assessed on their driving techniques and knowledge.

Those who successfully pass the course are graded and awarded a Certificate of Achievement.  SAFED is a Department for Transport (DfT), defensive driving, carbon reduction, initiative, which can reduce fuel consumption, costs and vehicle wear and tear.

With high fuel costs and the effect of transport use on the environment under constant scrutiny, it’s understandable that fleet companies are looking for ways in which to reduce their carbon footprint.  Poor fuel efficiency is often a result of erratic driving behaviour and is characterised by harsh braking and rapid acceleration.

The course includes a 'before and after' comparison of driver performance and indicates MPG improvement achieved by each driver.  By undertaking the training, drivers can also help reduce the risk of a collision and gain a better understanding of the thought processes involved in reading traffic and road conditions ahead, whilst driving smoothly, safely and economically.  Typically, van drivers can achieve a 16% MPG improvement.

"How much are you wasting?  Driving defensively keeps drivers safe, protects the  environment and reduces fuel consumption, which will amount to huge financial savings - can you afford to do nothing?"

 Drive Safe UK are DfT, SAFED approved training agents operating across the East Midlands, including Humberside and South Yorkshire.  Call 01427 617855 for a free consultation or you can email us at drivesafeuk@gmx.co.uk