That is a question we at E-Training World get asked a lot. So why do driver’s need periodic refresher training?
I believe one of main reasons that companies, who choose not to implement any form of driver risk management, do so, is not because of the costs. The costs of providing a robust driver assessment and training programme is tiny in comparison to doing nothing to meet your duty of care obligations. One of the main reasons is managers are worried about how their drivers will react to assessments and training.
Drivers can be obstructive if the reasons are not explained to them, telling a driver he/she has to complete an online driving assessment because it is now company policy, won’t alleviate their fears. However, telling your drivers that the reason is because the company is looking to comply with Health & Safety requirements and because it values its staff, will get a better response. Remember a risk management programme should involve all staff and directors that drive on company business and we always recommend that directors should be the first to do their assessments and training if required.
It is also worth informing drivers that the company recognises that vehicles crash for many different reasons, not always because of a lack of skill by the driver, other reasons include for example fatigue. The risk assessment will highlight any areas for improvement; this could be the driver or management such as scheduling if fatigue is a factor. If your drivers are still resisting the process, ask them if they would be happy boarding a jumbo jet, where the pilot learnt to fly a 2 seater light aircraft 20 years ago and hasn’t had any refresher training. Remember we can all learn more about driving every day, if that’s not true why do F1 racing drivers have coaches telling how to knock off ½ second from their lap time.
At E-Training World we often notice negativity from drivers at the start of a new contract, normally because managers haven’t explained the reasons why the company is using our systems. However, the good news is, in nearly all cases drivers soon see the benefits and embrace the programme. So managers don’t be scared of your drivers, the alternative could cost you personally and your company dearly.
