Reducing accidents in logistics firms is paramount. This is often a KPI for drivers, departments and for the company as a whole. Minimising accidents has a beneficial impact on insurance premiums. There are many accidents each year which could be avoided. Through a mixture of training, vehicle modifications and systems, coupled with development of drivers, it is possible to reduce the number of accidents that happen.
We have put together a few of the top ways to help with reducing accidents within the logistics industry.
Training and Re-training
The training provided to drivers, both at the start of their career within the company and also throughout the year is important. This includes updates to any new regulations, driver assessments, specific training for each vehicle and much more. By providing regular training, drivers stay up to date with any changes, and are refreshed with best practises. Providing a positive safety culture, where safety is the number one priority and is paramount throughout the company, has a beneficial impact.
Risk Assessments and Safety Auditing
Risk assessments and safety auditing is paramount in reducing accidents in logistics. Risk assessments are carried out for each element of the process of driving a HGV. Including within the yard, out on the roads, service stations and making collections and deliveries. These highlight any potential risks, and help to reduce the likelihood of these happening.
Personal Accountability and Responsibility
Ensuring that drivers have personal accountability of accidents will lead to added responsibility and awareness. Reducing accidents can be impacted by how the drivers perceive the level of accountability and associated consequences. An internal review of accidents usually takes place, and the relevant action taken.
Vehicle Safety Devices
Vehicle safety devices include any modifications to vehicles. Utilising a multi-camera system for both internal and external surveillance can assist with reducing accidents. This provides video footage of any accidents and near-accidents, which can be reviewed and identify where additional driver training may be required. Cameras can also be used in conjunction with vehicle sensors for reversing and parking.
Adding vehicle stickers, such as information for cyclists, can assist with reducing accidents by helping to make pedestrians, cyclists and other road users aware of blind-spots and more. For drivers, additional mirrors can be added to help eliminate driver blind spots.
Automatic braking systems are a benefit for logistics firms. These are automatically applied if the driver exceeds a set speed or gets too close to the vehicle in front. Using an automatic braking system can help with emergency stopping distances, therefore reducing the chances of accidents caused by braking distances.
Vehicle Preparation
This includes the daily checks carried out on vehicles before they leave the yard. Full checks of the vehicle need to be carried out to check tyres, oil, etc. and report anything back to the fleet manager for review. Services on vehicles need to be carried out on a regular basis, and any required work needs to be responded to quickly and efficiently. Vehicles must be taken off the road if necessary.
Systems
Systems such as a Transport Management System providing insights and data on speeding and over-braking. The data can be reviewed online, providing information on which drivers may require additional training / review. This can help to reduce accidents by looking at any key trends.
Efficient planning of collection and delivery routes can also impact the number of accidents, especially with the focus on the type of road e.g. Single track lane, and the type of vehicle being sent to each location.
If you would like to find out more about The NX Group or discuss storage and distribution of your products, please contact the team sales@thenxgroup.com or call +44 (0)1604 217855
