Woodhams obtains FORS Bronze Standard

Richard Woods 4th October 2017 Awards

Our fleet just got safer and greener! A top priority for Woodhams is keeping any negative impact on the public and the environment to an absolute minimum. Part and parcel of this is making sure our drivers and vehicles are safe, efficient and performing to the highest standards.

To prove how seriously we take these issues, the company has just been awarded a prestigious accreditation by the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) at the Bronze level.

This accreditation means that we now work to standards that exceed legal minimums, while constantly looking for ways to improve the safety, efficiency and environmental performance of the Woodhams fleet. FORS is rapidly becoming the transport industry’s go-to accreditation scheme for commercial vehicle best practice, so we’re proud to be a part of this 4,700-strong network.

The FORS Bronze Standard covers all aspects of driver and vehicle safety and suitability. The key requirements include:

Appointing a responsible person to run the transport operation — to maintain continuous and effective control on a day-to-day basis and ensure there is enough resource to carry out duties properly and professionally.
Managing all legal and operational fleet information — so that issues regarding driving standards, fuel efficiency and incident rates can be identified and remedied.
Putting in place a proactive vehicle and equipment maintenance and inspections plan — so that all vehicles, equipment, trailers and related machinery operate safely, legally and efficiently.
Ensuring the safety of vulnerable road users — by making sure 3.5 tonne vehicles are fitted with safety equipment designed to minimise the risk and severity of underrun impact and close proximity incidents.
Creating a system for checking licences — to ensure that all drivers are legally entitled to drive, and that any risks as a result of accumulated points are monitored and managed.
Facilitating the continuing professional development of drivers — to ensure that they carry out their duties legally, safely and professionally and have an ongoing awareness of risks posed to vulnerable road users.
Promoting driver health, safety and fitness — by having a health and safety policy that controls driving risks, and making sure vehicle-specific health and safety advice is communicated to drivers.

Other requirements include making sure all insurance, vehicle tax and regulatory licences are in place; fuel consumption is recorded and carefully monitored; transport fines and charges and driver infractions are investigated, and a rigorous complaints procedure is put in place.

What do these requirements mean for our customers?

When you commission Woodhams to work on a project, you’re assured of our commitment to better road safety and more economical driving, and that any issues, risks and infractions are monitored, recorded and acted upon. You can also be certain of our dedication to staying on top of the latest best practice guidance and implementing new safety, efficiency and environmental protection measures on a regular basis.