HSG: Truck Driver Training Needs to Include Load Security

Handy Shipping Guide (HSG), a leading online directory for all things shipping, published a very good piece on their website last week dealing with the topic of load security in cargo transport. The author of the piece cited shocking numbers from the States showing just how many people are injured and killed by debris or cargo falling off the backs of commercial vehicles. Most of these injuries and deaths could be avoided through proper load securing.

In Britain, 12 deaths occurred as a result of falling cargo in 2012; an additional 275 people were injured. The numbers were massively higher across the Pond: 140 deaths and more than 10,000 injuries. It is obvious that America is less concerned about insecure loads than we are in Britain. Nonetheless, HSG points out there is still room for improvement here.

Transport for London encourages load security training for drivers attempting to earn their Freight Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) certification to work safely in the capital. Likewise, the Road Haulage Association offers its members a ‘Safe and Sound’ guide that they can use to instruct drivers about load security.

HSG points out that instruction on properly securing the load is part of the CPC truck driver training now required by law in the UK. The training is provided once every five years and is mandatory for commercial drivers. Whether or not the training frequency is sufficient remains to be seen. It will take 5 to 10 more years to really know for sure.

Company Liability

HSG makes a point in their piece to remind company owners and managers of their potential liability. The law requires companies to take every reasonable step necessary to ensure safety before sending vehicles on to the roads. Moreover, even though most managers put the onus for safety on drivers, they could be held liable if they do not do what is necessary to make sure drivers are meeting their responsibilities.

At the HGV Training Centre, we know how important proper training is to the success of individual drivers and the companies that employ them. That is why we work so hard to make sure all of our clients receive the best training possible. We offer truck driver training alongside training for coaches and buses, vans, heavy construction equipment, forklifts and light trailers. We even provide horsebox training for those who require it.

We can work with you as an individual driver attempting to earn your licence for the first time. If you are already a veteran driver, we provide CPC training on an ongoing basis. In addition, if you are a fleet manager, you will be pleased to know that we work with haulage and transport companies of all sizes.

Load security is just one part of the training equation for commercial drivers. We cover it as part of a comprehensive training programme designed to make sure our drivers are the best in the business. Contact us for more information about how we can help you.

Sources:

HSG – http://www.handyshippingguide.com/shipping-news/road-haulage-hgv-operators-must-act-on-load-security-to-avoid-more-deaths_5856