VWJ Earthmoving – Safety and Compliance

Safety and Compliance Unlocked : How VWJ Earthmoving are trying to extend Health & Safety onto the Road

We are CHAS accredited for another year, but our dedication towards Health and Safety does not stop there.  As a trusted provider of muck away services, aggregate & topsoil suppliers, with our fleet of 8 wheel tippers, we understand that even the smallest oversight can lead to significant issues.

Yesterday VWJ Earthmoving attended an expert-led webinar held by Motor Transport in association with Microlise.  At the very informative webinar they explored critical road safety and compliance challenges in a realistic manner.

Every operation has safety policies—from PPE to manual handling—but what happens when drivers leave the depot? How can we ensure their safety, and that of other road users, throughout their journey? 

From this we gathered some important insights and best practices that we will be discussing further with our team. :

1. Preventing Bridge Strikes: A Shared Responsibility

One of the areas we consistently focus on is the prevention of bridge strikes.  We are proud to say that, to date, we have never had one. This accomplishment is a direct result of our strict policies and our commitment to ensuring our drivers are well-prepared.

All of our drivers are required to use HGV-specific sat navs, and they regularly review their routes before starting their journeys. However, it is important to note that bridge strikes can still occur, particularly when road closures or diversions are in place. During such times, drivers must pay extra attention to the diversions they take. Council-placed diversions do not always account for bridge heights, and it’s crucial that drivers do not simply follow other HGVs without assessing the suitability of the route for their own vehicle’s height.

To further mitigate risks, we advocate that HGV sat navs should be set correctly and used at all times. Mobile phone maps, which often lack crucial HGV-specific data such as bridge heights, should be avoided entirely. We are also discussing whether using mobile maps while driving should be banned for HGV drivers altogether to ensure safety.

2. Smart Motorways and Their Impact on HGVs

The AA has raised concerns about the safety of ‘smart’ motorways.  Particularly those where the hard shoulder is used as a running lane. These smart motorways can present serious risks, especially for HGVs, which might find themselves stranded due to issues like running out of fuel or tyre damage.

At VWJ Earthmoving, we make it a point to fuel up at the start or end of each day to avoid running low during our journeys. It’s essential that HGV drivers never attempt to use a smart motorway if they are uncertain about having enough fuel. In addition, regular tyre checks during the day are a must to ensure all vehicles are roadworthy. If any issues arise during the day, drivers must report them immediately.

3. Defensive Driving: Respecting All Road Users

Defensive driving is key for all HGV drivers, and it’s crucial to always give priority to other road users. Whether you’re stuck behind a cyclist or navigating through heavy traffic, it’s important to remain patient and respectful. Maintaining a safe distance and staying alert can make all the difference in preventing accidents and promoting road safety.

4. Handling Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs)

In the unfortunate event of a road traffic accident, especially a serious one, it’s important for drivers to know their rights. If you’re involved in an incident, it’s perfectly within your rights to refrain from making a statement at the scene. This is often the best course of action as drivers may be in shock and unable to fully process what has occurred. It would be better for drivers to try and remain calm and wait until they can provide an accurate account of the situation.

5. Adapting to the Future: Electric and Hydrogen Vehicles

As the industry continues to evolve, we are seeing more HGV electric vehicles (EVs) on the road. This shift calls for additional training for workshop staff to maintain these vehicles and keep up with future demand. Additionally, the transition to hydrogen and electric vehicles presents new challenges.  Especially when it comes to the heavier weight of these vehicles. For instance, vehicle lifts and other workshop equipment will need to be adapted to handle these new types of vehicles.

We believe that these topics could contribute to the broader conversation about road safety, vehicle maintenance, and the evolving landscape of the transport industry. By staying vigilant and proactive, we can continue to ensure the safety and efficiency of our operations while navigating the challenges that lie ahead.

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At VWJ Earthmoving we operate a ‘one-stop-shop‘.  Offering comprehensive services for aggregates, topsoil and earthmoving requirements. With a fleet of Volvo and Scania 8 wheel tippers, we provide reliable solutions to clients across the Northwest, Cheshire, Deeside & Staffordshire.  We specialize in tippers and grabs, material delivery, waste removal, muck away and much more.