Nigel Grainger brings together a related set of skills that all fleets require, to greater or lesser
degrees, but which may not have the staffing or the skills to fulfil those needs.
Bringing his wealth of experience in all areas of fleet management he offers a bespoke service through his company Fleet Risk Consultants, providing you with a cost effective fleet that complies fully with your 'duty of care' requirements.Risk Management – The weather has turned wintry again
The weather has turned wintry again this week and some parts of the UK have wet snow. From a Risk Management perspective as an employer you must ensure that all your vehicles operated by or for your business are prepared for whatever the winter climate throws at you and your employees. You have a legal obligation to give your employees the right tools and advice to deal correctly with the elements.
In line with previous articles on this forum not only do we raise the awareness of the problems, but we will offer some solutions as well.
The top of the list of things for you to do is take a trip to your local car dealer or Kwik Fit for a FREE winter safety check. You could also do it yourself. You need to check your Tyres (including the spare), Lights, Oil, Water/Antifreeze, Screenwash and Wipers. These are things you can easily check.
Tyres – You need to check the tread depth, tyre pressure (you may need the handbook for this bit) and the general condition of the tyre. I recommend that you have no less than 2mm of tread on your tyres. You should check your tyres every month.
Lights – Take the time to check all of your lights on your vehicle. You should also invest in a spare bulb set too. Remember that your lights are there to ensure you are seen rather than to see where you are going in most cases. You should check your lights every week.
Oil – You should check your oil weekly.
Water – Now is a good time to check that your antifreeze is at the correct strength, you should also make sure that the water levels are correct.
Screenwash – You should increase the strength of your screenwash at this time of year in preparation for the drop in temperatures.
Wipers – If your wipers are not clearing the screen you are putting yourself in danger and the worst part is you won’t see the danger coming.
The other item on your list is the equipment you carry with you in your car. In the boot of my car there is: A Shovel, Coats, Reflective Jacket, Water, Screenwash, Jump Leads, Tow Strops, D Links, Spare Bulbs, Engine Oil, Compressor, Amber Beacons, Torch, Boots, Drinking Water, Biscuits and Gloves. These are the bare minimum I will carry. I suggest you have a similar amount of equipment, just in case.
I tend to find that if I plan for all eventualities I shan’t need the equipment I have with me. I recommend that you do to.
Here in the UK we have little snow these days, this has resulted in drivers being unaware of how to drive in these conditions. This means that as a driver you need to give the other drivers a bit more space than normal, even if you have the skill to drive in snow, the other drivers may not.
Nigel Grainger
Senior Consultant