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BSM are to replace its fleet of Fiat 500 cars with Vauxhall Corsas. This decision was in response to a survey of their instructors. In my opinion BSM management should be congratulated on listening to their staff. However, all too often managers don't listen to the people who actually do the work, simply making decisions from the meeting room, without any real appreciation of how it will affect the staff.
It never ceases to amaze me the number of drivers required to drive a company vehicle, which is totally unsuitable to either the driver or the job they are required to do.
Let me give just a few examples:
How many graduate jobs come with a high powered company car? I recall a company I visited earlier this year, they had just employed a young man straight out of university as a sales consultant, he was provided with a Audi A5 and given training in every aspect of his job except the most dangerous part, driving! It took just two weeks for the young man to write off the car and spend six weeks off sick recovering from his injuries. If only the managers had realised that the last car the young man had driven was the BSM Fiat 500 that he took his test in and hadn't driven any car for the last 2 years, just maybe they would have included a defensive driving course as part of his induction.
Other examples include the many companies that expect their engineers to carry tools and spare parts in estate cars. Next time you call out an engineer to your office take a look in the visitors parking bay, you will probably see a car packed full. What chance would the driver have with a tool box striking the back of their head in a collision or even when braking harshly? Many years ago I visited a construction company and witnessed estate cars loaded with bricks, when I pointed out the dangers of using a car to transport bricks the manager replied: "I haven't thought about that, from now on I will ensure drivers wear their hard hats whilst driving." It was at that point I realised I was wasting my time!
So come on manager,s ensure your drivers have the right tools and training to do the job safely. If you don't, you shouldn't be surprised when your staff claim against the company following a road crash or if they suffer injuries from being struck by items carried in vehicles.
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