RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
May 14, 2004
FLEET AWARD WINNER HALVES ACCIDENT RATE
Palmer and Harvey McLane Ltd of Hove have won the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents trophy for managing occupational road risk for the second year running.
P&H have halved their accident rate in recent years.
The judges were impressed by the strenuous efforts that the wholesale and distribution company make to ensure the safety of their fleet of 900 trucks and 450 cars.
They employ 4,000 people and cover 40 million kilometres a year to make nearly two million deliveries.
P&H received the award from Lord Faulkner of Worcester, President of RoSPA, at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole Hotel at the NEC last night (May 14).
Initiatives employed by the company include: computer-based driver assessments, driver training targeted to individual branch needs, driver assessors based at all main branches, discussions on route scheduling and planning, and an “accident free” bonus scheme. Improved control measures have also allowed them to adopt a far greater level of self-insurance.
Ray Ward, Group Transport Manager for P&H, said: “In just over five years, we have halved our accident rate and dramatically reduced our costs.
“We are proud to receive the award for the second year running as it demonstrates that hard work and commitment to the cause of occupational road safety pays off by benefiting not only the company, but its employees and all road users.”
Charles Davis, RoSPA Head of Driver and Fleet Solutions, said: “This award celebrates the work being done to reduce the number of people killed or injured as a result of occupational road accidents, which are a major problem in this country.
“P&H are an example to other fleet operators on how to manage safety. We hope to see many others following their lead.”
The judges highly commended Planned Maintenance Engineering of Battersea, London, for their entry.
