Managing your HGV fleet and drivers is essential to maintain efficient operations. The more time both spend off the road, the greater the losses your logistics or haulage business suffers. As such, protecting and sustaining both your fleet and drivers is a significant process and one that should be at the forefront of your operational and people strategy. Below we outline some of the basic steps you should be taking to ensure that your drivers are safe at work.

Thorough vehicle inspection and maintenance

Drivers can only be as safe as the vehicles they are operating in. You should already have a thorough vehicle inspection and maintenance procedure established to identify any faults or damages to your fleet before drivers take to the roads. Any issues need to be flagged immediately to the relevant people and no driver should be authorised to drive a vehicle until the proper repairs and maintenance have been completed. A consistent inspection and maintenance schedule should reduce your losses and downtime by a significant amount.

Appropriate emergency equipment

Breakdowns and emergencies can happen at any time on the roads, so being prepared is crucial to keep your drivers safe. Every cabin should be equipped with the necessary tools, equipment and supplies to help a driver make minor repairs or to protect them in the event of an accident or breakdown. Essentials should include hi viz vests, warning triangles, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, a hard hat, safety gloves and a basic tool kit. Other items may be required depending on the country of operation, climate and road conditions. Once these have expired or been used, remember to restock items before the next journey.

Wellbeing support

Offering wellbeing support is an important step to protecting your drivers from physical and mental health risks. As a typically male-dominated profession, there is often a stigma surrounding transparency and acceptance of mental health issues – but this stigma needs to be challenged. HGV drivers spend a lot of time in isolation, away from home and in unfamiliar or uncomfortable living environments, meaning that the risks of developing mental health issues are higher than in many other lines of work. Add potentially poor nutrition and lack of exercise into the mix and HGV drivers are at greater risks of physical health concerns too. Provide guidance and support and encourage open communication with your drivers to help them to take charge of their health and wellbeing.

HGV Drivers

About the Author: John Loughran