Haulier NEWSLETTER
In this issue...
Step In FORS update
Winter working
Safety reminders
Mandatory PPE
Running for Stroke Association
January 2025
Welcome back!
Dear Haulier
Hope you had a restful Holiday and Happy New Year to you and your families. Last year we spoke about STEP IN and this year it is more important than ever as we are still seeing a number of the same type of accidents or Near Misses in our Industry. So, if you see someone doing something unsafe, don’t hesitate to STEP IN if needed.
Please keep raising your Safety Observations as this helps to recognise potential accidents that could happen in the future.
Stay Safe
Winter working
Just a polite reminder to ensure you are taking extra care when driving and walking during this colder weather.
Sites are being gritted but please also take note of our Ice Alert signage at entrances to guide you on the current conditions.
The winter is truly upon us and with that in mind it is important you prepare your fleets for the additional hazards of driving at this time of year. Below are a few helpful hints.
• Plan your routes and always allow a little extra time for the journey
• Extend your stopping distance to take into consideration wet and icy roads
• Remain visible and make sure lights and safety signage are clean and operational
• Always carry some emergency provisions such as blanket, warm clothing, food, drink and mobile fully charged.
Industry updates
FORS version 7.1 update
The latest version of the FORS standard has now been released and will be implemented from 1st January 2025. FORS have provided a useful summary of changes to the document detailing all the key amendments in V7.1 and these can be found on the FORS website.
Direct Vision Standards (DVS) update
As of October 2024, HGVs need a minimum 3-star rating or to have implemented a progressive safe system (PSS) to obtain the permit that allows them to operate within Greater London. Failure to have obtained a permit can result in fines of up to £550 per day (reduced to £275 if paid within 14 days).
Site SAFETY
Some Reminders FROM 2024
Below are a few items that was covered in 2024 Newsletters.
We ask you to remind your drivers:
• Full PPE to be worn when getting out of cabs, this includes glasses, gloves and making sure boots are tied correctly
• Not using electronic devises unless parked in safe place with handbrake on and ignition off
• Daily checks completed correctly and report any defects
• Drug & Alcohol random testing will be carried out day and night
• Vehicle Rollover:
» Aware of ground conditions
» Soft Verges
» Aware of frozen or sticky loads
» Distribution of load
» Other factors can also play its part
Scan the QR code to watch or click on the image above
• Site Maps:
» Aware of site address and direction of approach,
» Aware of access points,
» Raise near hit if map not fit for purpose, or any safety concerns
» Make sure driver has contact numbers for office and weighbridge
• Onecard competences kept up-to-date – email onecard@tarmac.com for any queries
• Advise your Transport Manager of any new drivers or drivers leaving
• 3 Points of Contact – Make sure drivers always have 3 points of contact when entering or leaving vehicles. Maybe get them to watch this video again tarmac.wistia.com/medias/ji19r5wylc
• Remember to look up for cables and not just around when on sites.
Tarmac Materials MPQC Cards / Certificate
Please make sure your drivers attend a course as soon as possible and supply onecard@tarmac.com a copy of card with expiry date or proof of pass for your OneCard to be updated.
Remember these are getting booked up, so book nice and early
This month’s short safety video
SAFETY IN ACTION
From 1st October 2024 it became mandatory for all drivers and contractors to have safety helmets with chin straps.
In the North & Scotland this has been in place since end of June.
Centurian concept roofer white vented reduced-peak slip-ratchet helmet + TA23
Centurian Nexus EN 397 four-point chin strap
Why are we doing this?
JSP EVOLite Skyworker white vented wheel-ratchet safety helmet
We’re still seeing too many incidents resulting in head injuries within the business.
Tarmac operative fell from vehicle to ground, narrowly missing falling into live traffic lane. Hard Hat came off during fall leading to head injury.
Simulation of driver falling backwards on concrete floor, IP suffered head, neck and back injury.
Driver falls three metres when climbing to enter body of vehicle, suffering several injuries including four cracked ribs, BUT he was wearing a safety helmet with strap and remained conscious to call for help.
Wearing helmets with chin straps WILL reduce the injuries to individuals.
Repairs
You must seek and gain approval prior to completing any repairs on site from site management and have the relevant documentation.
All vehicle maintenance staff must report to the site office on arrival for instructions.
Always stop and think before you do any repair and if you see someone doing something unsafe remember to STEP IN If you have a repair ASK!
BLANTYRE FABRICATIONS
Brennan Turner from our North and Scotland team is Running the Great North Run for the Stroke Association!
On 7th September 2025, I will be taking on the Great North Run, and I’m doing it for a cause that’s incredibly close to our hearts: the Stroke Association.
Strokes are sudden and life-changing, not just for those who experience them but for their families too. For us, this is personal. My girlfriend’s grandparents have both suffered strokes - her grandad in 2017 and her nanna in 2023.
Thankfully, they’re both doing well today, but without the incredible medical treatment they received, the journey could have been so much harder. We’ve seen first-hand how critical timely care and ongoing support are in helping people recover and rebuild their lives. That’s why we’re proud to be running for the Stroke Association, an organisation that provides vital support to families like ours.
Join us in making a difference
We’re running to raise money for this amazing organization so that more families like ours can face the challenges of stroke with the best possible care and support. Rebuilding lives after a stroke takes a team—survivors, carers, healthcare professionals, and supporters like you.
If you can, please consider donating or sharing our story. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps make a difference. And if you’re on the sidelines during the run, we’d love to hear your cheers!
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we can help more families rebuild their lives after a stroke.
I’m doing the Great North run this year! All donations for stoke association will be much appreciated. If you can pass this link onto friends and family to get as much donations.
Thanks everyone
#TeamStroke
https://events.stroke.org.uk/s/9805/10708/s