In many industries, there is often the feeling that Health and Safety have gone mad.
However, in Transportation, you can quickly see why safety checks are so important before any journey is made.
The size, weight and load carry are often so vast that what would be a minor lapse of concentration in a standard hatch and cause nothing more than a moment of panic, could have fatal consequences in a heavily loaded vehicle.
Making sure a driver and vehicle is fully compliant could prove to be the difference between life and death as we take a look at some of the most overlooked vehicle checks today.
Walk Around's
Yes, we know that you are probably already doing these but there are many who make the most casual of checks and view it as more of putting a quick tick in the box without necessarily doing all the groundwork.
Complacency often sets in and important factors may be missed off which is why it if often wise to ensure whoever conducts the walk around receives regular training and is monitored carrying out the check from time to time by a senior member of staff.
Slips and Trips
One aspect that is often heavily overlooked is how the driver gets in and out of their vehicle.
Especially during the winter months when surfaces in and out of the vehicle can be slippery.
Every driver should be performing their three-points of contact rule when entering a vehicle because no matter how many times you have climbed up those steps, snow, ice and rain cares little for experience.
Human Factors
We have all gotten a little hot under the collar at other road users when behind the wheel.
It is a well-known fact that we speed up and drive more erratic when others have cut us up or just generally driven like a prat.
No matter how many years of experience you have behind the wheel, other drivers are a key factor of how to begin to perform.
Adding human factors to your safety program by training drivers how to react and remain calm when in control of a heavy goods vehicle could well prevent a serious accident.