Rank: Forum user 
|
Workplace: Train Cleaning Depot
Task/Setting : 28 Cleaners based out of a depot, are mobile and travel to 8 outstations to clean trains stabled overnight. Even though there are a large number of cleaners there is only 3/4 drivers who are willing to drive the 6 seater vans. This has caused the employer to encourage a newer member of staff to take driving lessons and help out with the driving. The said person passed his test other week and recieved his license yesterday and handed it into HR. He has been told he will be on insurance by today and allowed to drive the vans TONIGHT.
The lad will be driving a bigger, more powerful vehicle than he has trained in without dual control or a instructor whilst carrying 5 passengers. Is this too much, too soon? He doesnt even have his own vehichle yet. As the lad is new I'm not even sure he is familiar with all the routes we take.
Does anyone see an issue with this from a safety perspective? Any advice appreciated
Note: Just like to add a note that I am not implying or judging this persons driving ability at all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
To me, it would be similar to a newly trained forklift operator, JCB or other equipment. I would perhaps supply him with familiarisation training of the vehicle and the route before carrying people, but he has passed his test to a set standard so no reason not to use him, as long as insurance and everything else is in place.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Thanks for advice George I have took it onboard. Legally we know he is allowed to drive but our employer has to ensure our health and safety SFAIRP.
It all feels very rushed to benefit the employer not the employees. We have coped for the last 4 years with a shortage on drivers so my logic is we can survive another few months whilst the said driver gets some experience under his belt.
I disagree about the forklift truck similiararity for the simple fact he will be carrying 5 passengers. I dont know this I am just guessing but are you allowed to get a taxi license a week after passing driving test?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
But how is the said person going to get experience? he may never own a car, so waiting a few months may be a waste.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
My first paid employment was driving a crew van for a catering firm one week after passing my test. I had a full licence was old enough for their insurance policy so was competent.
You could suggest Pass Plus as a method to increase road skills but remember most behind the wheel on UK roads passed a test and that has been it ever since. Years behind the wheel does not equate to any higher standard of driving, nor does time behind the wheel.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
My first paid employment was driving a crew van for a catering firm one week after passing my test. I had a full licence was old enough for their insurance policy so was competent.
You could suggest Pass Plus as a method to increase road skills but remember most behind the wheel on UK roads passed a test and that has been it ever since. Years behind the wheel does not equate to any higher standard of driving, nor does time behind the wheel.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.