- Berkeley Group and RHA deliver new guidance and driver training module
- Falls from vehicles, falling loads and overturning vehicles remain common causes of transport accidents on site
The Berkeley Group and the UK's largest trade association for road transport operators, the RHA, have today launched new guidance and a training module to improve the safety of drivers delivering to and from construction sites.
"Construction is one of the most dangerous workplaces and we can do much more to raise awareness and educate drivers who enter this environment," said Barry Oliver, Group Health and Safety Executive at Berkeley.
"We have identified key areas, particularly in transport and distribution to and from sites, where there is a need for action. This new training module and guidance for drivers will improve the awareness and competency of people working right across the construction supply chain."
This project followed consultation among RHA members and Berkeley Group's supply chain which identified poor interaction onsite and a lack of understanding about roles and responsibilities between construction sites, hauliers and drivers.
"The RHA is pleased to be an integral part of this innovative approach to improving construction site safety," said Jack Semple, Director of Policy and the RHA.
"The addition of an approved Driver Certificate of Professional Competence module offers hauliers in the sector an opportunity to ensure their Periodic Training Programme supports safe working practices. The Guide will also contribute to safety by improving understanding of each party's role in safe operations. Both are equally relevant for the largest construction projects and more modest building sites."
The guidance and the new driver qualification are one of ten new projects supported by the Berkeley Group's £2 million Innovation Fund. This is designed to reduce construction related risk, improve the working environment and develop people's understanding of safe working practices.
The first ten projects to be awarded funding will be announced on 8th October.
Notes to Editors:
The Berkeley Group builds homes and neighbourhoods. It is publicly-owned and listed on the London Stock Exchange as a FTSE 100 company. In 2014, the Berkeley Group supported 21,000 jobs in the UK and contributed £1.4 billion to Britain's GDP.
The Berkeley Group is the only private company in Britain providing grants targeted at improving health and safety standards in the construction industry. The Fund is part of Berkeley's ambition to operate incident and injury free, and have a positive health impact on all the people employed and affected by the company.
*HSE Statistics on fatal injuries in the workplace in Great Britain 2015: www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/pdf/fatalinjuries.pdf
The Guidance document is free and available on the RHA website: www.rha.uk.net
For information about the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC), contact Paul Benns on 01733 261131 or at p.benns@rha.uk.net.
For more information contact:
Kate Owen
Senior Communications Advisor
Berkeley Group
E-mail: kate.owen@berkeley group.co.uk
Telephone: 01932 585 055