TRANSPORT TRAINING SERVICES ADDS EVENING & WEEKEND COURSES

In response to customer demand, Transport Training Services (TTS) has added a range of training courses to a new evening and weekend timetable at its Nutts Corner training centre.

Initially these courses will include IMI accredited training on electric/hybrid vehicles and automotive refrigerant handling (FGas), both of which are for qualified vehicle technicians.

It is expected that other courses will be added later in the year, to offer a greater level of flexibility for employers and self-funding careerdriven individuals. TTS plans to add Level 4 Advanced Diagnostics training to its training programme in the coming months. It is expected that the new schedule will commence in early March.

TTS is committed to supporting the transport industry in filling skills gaps that have arisen from new vehicle technology and the drive to transition to zero emission vehicles. The social enterprise has recently expanded its team of technical trainers in order to develop its training schedule and to bring additional specialist skills to the organisation.

Renault Trucks UK Sales on the Rise

Renault Trucks’ 2021-22 year-on-year vehicle sales have increased by 18.4% and is, according to the latest figures from the SMMT, the highest of all manufacturers and nearly double the average market increase of 9.6%.

“For five consecutive years, Renault Trucks has grown its MHD market share, with significant acceleration in more recent years,” says James Charnock, Commercial Director, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland. “A number of factors have contributed to this success: firstly, the investment in and expansion of our dealer network whilst ensuring the consistency of service they offer to customers across all touchpoints.

“Secondly, the development of our product - the ‘Evolution’ models of both our T and C products - from both an aesthetics and performance perspective, has been positively received by drivers and operators across all sectors.”

Mercedes-Benz Trucks teams up with Microlise to offer cost SmartFlow app access

Operators of Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks with the manufacturer’s innovative Multimedia Cockpit can now download market-leading Microlise SmartFlow work management software directly into their cabs.

A tailored app version of this popular package is now included within the Mercedes-Benz Truck App Portal system, making the Actros the only truck available on the UK market capable of running it without extra hardware.

The move allows operators to make significant cost savings –a monthly subscription to the Microlise SmartFlow Driver WorkFlow App could be up to 85% cheaper than a traditional ‘wired’ installation, with all associated hardware.

Microlise SmartFlow is already the workflow management tool of choice for many of Britain’s leading fleets. It allows drivers to perform a range of tasks such as reviewing and accepting assignments, accessing site details and planned arrival or departure times, and alerting the traffic office to any problems.

In any other truck, a separate dedicated in-cab screen must be installed before Microlise SmartFlow can be used.Actros operators, though, can now use the Truck App Portal to download the new app incorporating many of the full package’s functions, straight to their vehicles.

The Truck App Portal integrates seamlessly with the vehicle’s Multi-Touch Display. Not only can drivers use this to access and operate the system, but the software also engages with the in-built satellite navigation system for optimum routing.

“As well as being more cost-effective, this development allows users to install the Microlise SmartFlow App a lot more quickly and easily than was previously possible,” explained Richard Skidmore, Head of Customer Service Delivery at Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK. “By teaming up with Microlise to offer this innovative solution we have been able to demonstrate once again, the wide variety of benefits that our in-cab technology is capable of delivering.”

Steve Watson, Microlise Director of Product, said: “This new app allows Actros operators to get on the road with SmartFlow quickly and easily. It can then save drivers and their traffic office colleagues time and effort, as well as helping with compliance.

“Drivers are logged into the system automatically when they insert their tacho cards. Journeys are fed through directly to the cab and integrated with sat-nav screens. Administration becomes easier, with instant updating of deliveries, collections and consignment information. Communication is improved and delivery paperwork reduced, which helps everyone’s working day run more smoothly.”

Inspection programme to prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders in haulage and logistics sector

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland is urging employers in the haulage and logistics sector to make a New Year resolution to help prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) within their workforce.

MSD is the collective term given to any injury, ache or damage of the joints or tissues in the upper or lower limbs or back. Workers engaged in manual handling and activities that involve the moving of items either by lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling or carrying can be at particular risk.

HSENI Principal Inspector Kellie McNamara said: “The movement of almost all goods in Northern Ireland involves road transport. As we welcome 2023 we are urging employers in the haulage and logistics sector to work with us to reduce work-related serious injury and ill health caused by MSD.

“Taking some simple step to properly assess the risks associated with manual handling could prevent serious and potentially long-term injury to workers.”

Until the end of March, HSENI inspectors will specifically look at the controls that employers have in place to manage risks associated with moving and handling. Inspectors will also provide information and advice to employers on the risk of MSD associated with manual handling MSD is often developed over months or years.

The term cover conditions with specific medical diagnoses such as tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis (also known as tennis elbow) and non-specific syndromes, such as repetitive strain injury.

Employers have a legal duty to assess and then eliminate or reduce the risk of employees suffering MSDs that are caused or aggravated by their work to as low a level as is reasonably practicable. Where significant risks are found HSENI Inspectors may take enforcement action to achieve compliance with health and safety legislation.

Practical guidance on preventing work-related MSD can be found at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/ logistics/manual-handling.htm