Dr Sharon McGuinness, CEO of the Health and Safety Authority, will discuss work related vehicle safety at FTA Ireland’s (FTAI) popular Transport Manager Seminar, which returns to the Johnstown House Hotel, Enfield, County Meath on 5 March.

Dr McGuinness will highlight the importance of proactive risk management strategies for the freight distribution and logistics sector, with particular emphasis on the importance of work-related vehicle safety issues such as route planning, managing driver welfare and safe and secure loading. She will also deal with the importance of risk management and welfare at work for commercial fleet operators.

This year’s seminar, sponsored by Bridgestone Tyres, Brigade, Enprova, Harris Group and the Logistics Associate Apprenticeship, will give delegates the chance to hear from a range of senior industry experts and policymakers, highlighting key issues for those working in the logistics industry to help them remain compliant and up to speed on the latest developments in legislation and professional advice.

The speakers will reveal the fundamental responsibilities that apply to operators and explain the importance of best practice and compliance to ensure a safe and legal transport operation, helping ensure that all those involved in moving goods have the very latest information that’s available.

Tim Daly, President of CILT Ireland and Training Manager with Bus Eireann, will present a case study on the work Bus Eireann has done to ensure operational compliance on roadworthiness and driver hours.

The seminar will also include a keynote session from the Minister of State for EU Affairs, Helen McEntee, and topics to be covered at the event include skills shortages, apprenticeships, alternative fuels, decarbonising the freight sector and the impact of Brexit on Ireland-UK trade. The stellar line-up includes speakers from FTA, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the Climate Change Unit of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, the Logistics Associate Apprenticeship and the Health and Safety Authority.

Jerry Meredith, FTAI’s Business Services Manager, said: “These events are an essential tool to help all transport managers stay up-to-date with ever-changing legislation and best practice across the industry.  The fact that numbers at these events have grown year-on-year illustrates the regard in which they are held by operators.

“Compliance is key in the logistics industry and the Transport Manager Seminar provides reassurance that operators are equipped with the most current information available, as well as providing them with the opportunity to ask questions of those formulating the rules by which transport managers must operate.

“Not only is it good practice for transport professionals to refresh their knowledge, they should also be aware of legislative changes that may affect the undertakings given by their employer. All professionals in our industry must develop an active role in ensuring legal compliance within their operation.”

To attend, the cost for FTAI members is €250 plus VAT; for non-FTAI members the fee is €300 plus VAT. For further information or to book a place, call 01 8447516 or email info@ftai.ie

FTA Ireland

About the Author: John Loughran