Being conscious of other road users is vital when working with construction vehicles, especially in London. MBH encourages the accreditation of the FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) standards based upon lawfulness, safety, efficiency and environmental protection. Highlighting the protection of all vulnerable road users including operators, pedestrians, motorcyclists, infants, elderly and disabled people, who all share our countries congested transport infrastructure.
(Above) MBH fleet ready for loading, outside the factory.
Freshfield Lane has gained the Bronze Standard FORS Certification after an audit early this October. As part of its commitment to continual improvement and progression, MBH has shown a dedicated approach for environmental issues and raising the awareness of vulnerable road users. Sheila Davis, Transport & Sales Office Manager at MBH states, “with an on-going investment of time in driver training we can maintain a high level of focus. This engages our staff and introduces them to realistic road situations, ensuring that they are equipped with the knowledge and experience to act responsibly.”
FORS encourages operators to take a closer look at themselves and identify areas of strength to be exploited and areas for improvement to be addressed. A successful bronze assessment provides an operator with reassurance that their operation is being run safely, efficiently and in an environmentally sound manner, whilst being legally compliant and following best practice.
Commitment to improving safety
In recent years, statistics show there has been a high number of cyclist fatalities in London, one third involving Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), including skip or tipper trucks. This highlights the urgent need to reduce the dangers posed to other road users in our populated cities. Transport for London (TFL) is committed to improving safety and as such have implemented this scheme which is endorsed by the Mayor of London.
Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme logo.
Sheila Davis continues to explain the benefits of the scheme for MBH drivers. “With a wide variety of additional guides available on the FORS website, our drivers were able to easily access the educational reading material remotely. The online toolkit developed with Barclays Cycle Superhighways, which offers practical advice to help minimise the risk of collisions on the Capital’s roads, greatly informed our drivers who do not predominantly work in urban locations. After driver licences were inspected and vehicle safety equipment checked, drivers took the Safe Urban Driving (SUD) Approved Driver Training course which included the on-cycle hazard awareness training. As a local manufacturer it is our priority to keep transportation and therefore emissions to a minimum. With our comprehensive planning system we can ensure our vehicles run the most efficient routes and minimise unnecessary road miles. Due to our commitment to continually monitor our vehicles and research updates in Health and Safety regulations, the process of FORS accreditation was simple. We encourage others in the construction industry to join this scheme and to also proudly display the FORS accredited logo stickers in their vehicles. Eventually, the goal is that all HGV’s in the UK will be recognised for these high standards of improved road safety.”
