Ryder Invests in Driver Training with Integrated RoSPA Scheme
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Emma Middleton and Kelly Robertson from RoSPA work with Ryder to produce an integrated RoSPA driver training programme. |
Ryder plc is introducing a comprehensive driver training programme into its UK business which will cover all members of staff who drive during the course of their work and has developed its programme in conjunction with leading safety organisation, RoSPA.
Around 900 people will be annually assessed on their driving skills through a Driver Development Programme. At the heart of this is the RoSPA Driver Profiler software, an on-line profile, which assesses an individual’s driving ability and the degree of risk they represent. The web-based training tool received an award from the British Safety Industry Federation for its innovative features. After analysis, every ‘high risk’ driver will be required to attend a one day tailor-made defensive driving course delivered by ROSPA. The course replicates the driver’s normal driving day, and can be conducted either in a car or a truck.
The assessment will also eventually be extended to temporary drivers, as well as being part of the selection process for new staff.
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Individuals will be annually assessed using RoSPAs award winning Driver Profiler |
In addition, a group of 25 lead drivers are being trained as Driver Assessors, who will assess driving skills and behaviour on an on-going basis and be responsible for ensuring that high driving standards are the norm at Ryder.
As well as participating in the Driver Development Programme, Ryder’s contracted fleet drivers will be entered into RoSPA’s National Safe Driving Awards Scheme (NSDA) which rewards drivers on the basis of zero blameworthy incidents. The top 50 drivers will go forward for a special Driver’s Day in 2007.
“Safety is at the heart of Ryder,” said Simon Head, Health, Safety, Environmental & Security Manager – Europe. “We want to ensure that our drivers have the best training and that we have the best monitoring and evaluation system to ensure that everyone is safety conscious and driving with safety in mind. By linking with ROSPA we have been able to develop a bespoke training programme which taps into their expertise in both safety and education.”
Charles Davis, RoSPA Head of Driver and Fleet Solutions said: “Ryder's decision to use RoSPA’s award-winning Driver Profiler together with other relevant evidence, such as retrospective accident data, enables their managers to have a more informed approach to risk assessing and training their drivers.
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| Charles Davis (RoSPA) Head of Driver and Fleet Solutions and Simon Head (Ryder) Health, Safety, Environmental & Security Manager. |
"Employers have clear duties under health and safety law to manage at-work road risk as a mainstream health and safety issue. All organisations with employees who drive as part of their job are expected to have a systematic approach to dealing with this question, as driving is the most dangerous work activity that most people undertake. Ryder ‘s attitude to this issue must be commended."
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RoSPA is a registered charity: Registered Charity No: 207823 Patron: Her Majesty the Queen RoSPA Head Office: Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7ST, UK |
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