Fleet Risk Consultants

Because we are committed to reducing the risks that our clients are exposed to, we have decided to establish an office in the Virtual World of Second Life. This means that we can meet with our existing and prospective clients personally, without them needing to make those risky journeys. The added advantage to this is the reduction in our Carbon Footprint, which is a good idea as our new neighbours are Friends of the Earth!

Like many people, I thought that the Second Life concept was for geeks and IT companies, but it appears that this is no longer the case as there are Universities and multi-national companies with a presence in Second Life. Our landlord in Second Life is Virtual-e who are a Gold Solutions Provider to Linden Labs and they are helping us ensure that the process is a simple for our clients as possible.

If you would like a personal explanation of how we can use a second life to help you reduce the risks to your first life, or even your carbon footprint then please drop by the office and we will be delighted to help you. It is absolutely free, which is an added bonus when funds are being scrutinised.

If I am not at my desk in Second Life then please drop me an email via the website to request a meeting to suit you.

And remember you cannot have an collision if you do not travel and you will never face a Corporate Manslaughter prosecution if you do not kill anyone.

Nigel Grainger (Nigel Ferryhill)
Senior Consultant

Fleet Risk Consultants

From the 10th September 2009 all drivers of vehicles above 3,500kg in weight will have to undertake continuous training over a period of 5 years. The rules means that each driver will need to complete 35 hours of training by the 9th September 2014.

That may sound like it is a long way in the future, but if you leave it too late to commence your training, you may either not get on a course in time or you will have to take a whole week in one go to maintain your driving licence.

There will be no extensions as the period of grace starts on the 10th September 2009. Any new HGV drivers will have to undertake 280 hours of training to actually qualify for a licence in the first place.

The effect that we see developing in 2014 is that companies who have not planned ahead may find that they have vehicle available to do deliveries, but no-one to drive the vehicle.

It is also the companies responsibility to ensure that the driver is both qualified and safe to drive. If you employ the driver full time then it could be argued that under PUWER you will have to pay for that training too.

IF you want to understand how the rules will effect you as either a driver or as an employer then give our team a call on 01623 675833 or drop us an email to info@fleetriskconsultants.co.uk and we can call you.

Nigel Grainger
Senior Consultant

Fleet Risk Consultants