Managing fatigue
As part of our commitment to the safety of our people, our customers and those we share the roads with, McColl’s is constantly working to monitor and manage driver fatigue.
Industry studies show driving while tired is a major cause of fatal crashes and is a contributing factor in up to 60 per cent of all heavy vehicle crashes.
In addition to ensuring we comply with all regulations around rostering and driving hours, McColl’s works hard to ensure our drivers understand the causes of fatigue and what they can do to prevent it.
Our drivers are encouraged to get plenty of sleep, take regular breaks and look after their health by eating well and exercising. Our in cabin dashmate device also helps our drivers proactively manage their hours.
Dedicated safety team nets results
McColl’s Safety Improvement Team is continually working to improve our safety performance.
Comprising executives and selected drivers from McColl’s Bulk Food Grade Division, the team meets every two months to identify possible safety issues and come up with practical solutions.
Some of the many safety improvements made over the past two years include:
- Installing ceiling-mounted high pressure hoses to eliminate the need to carry cleaning equipment.
- Minimising slips, trips and falls on tankers by eliminating or engineering access steps, cables and removing obsolete hazards.
- Reducing working at heights by improving the operation of air valves on tankers.
But we aren’t resting on our laurels. We continue to strengthen our better-than-industry safety record and we’re always keen to work with customers on safety improvements.
Taking the high road with safety
McColl’s continues to improve its safety performance, achieving great results during the 2015-16 financial year.
Our commitment to going above and beyond the regulatory requirements has seen an excellent 50% reduction in Lost Time Incidents and 27% drop in Significant Lost Time Injuries, which continues to be below the industry benchmark.
McColl’s safety improvement program includes:
- Achieving National Logistics Safety Code accreditation, as developed by the Australian Logistics Council.
- Implementing a Safety Improvement Group, a dedicated forum focussed on incident trends and reducing risk through innovative solutions.
- Using telematics to monitor vehicle speed.
- Improving incident reporting systems to enable trend analysis of risk.
- Increasing driver diary audits to improve fatigue management.
Safety is one of McColl’s core values. We pride ourselves on creating a safe environment for our people, our customers and the communities in which we operate, ensuring everyone arrives home safe and well every day of their working life.
