Posted By Stuart Haysman
Hi,

We're planning to implement a new policy of suspending FLT drivers off the truck following incidents (moderate or worse ones only, not scrapes and small knocks) and investigating with driver / union / management etc. within 48 hrs max before letting them back on (if they are found have no retraining requirements or disciplinary etc.). As this has never been done before, it being seen as heavy handed by the drivers (but supported by management and Union). There's no penalty to the driver if they are found to have no fault (other than a day or so off the truck).

To me, it the safest option as it's impossible to tell at 'first glance' why the incident occurred - could be truck / conditions / load etc., but also could be a driver issue (alcohol, fatigue, drugs, eyesight, stress, failure to follow correct practice etc. etc.). If it's a driver fault it's bad practice IMO to let them straight back on.

So, I wondered what is common practice in other workplaces with high FLT activity (we're manufacturing sector with 40+ FLT's by the way)?

Cheers

Stu

Posted By Glyn Atkinson
Used to control safety of a firm with 30 + flt's and 20 tractor towing drivers - exactly the same porocess - remove from driving duties pending completion of investigation - strict insurers instruction from their yearly site audits.

As we had regular rostered flt overtime available to all drivers, this potential threat really lowered the incidence rate in a very short time - they didn't want to hand easy covering money to their rival drivers!