Trucking is the backbone of consumer and corporate logistics throughout the world. For most people, their interaction with HGV drivers is limited to deliveries or frustration on the roads, but that changes when you run a business employing drivers.
When your business takes care of its own supply chain, you need to make sure that the drivers responsible for your goods, your vehicles, and ultimately your reputation are of the highest quality, but how can you effectively screen your drivers, and what should you be looking for? Should you just equip all vehicles with truck camera systems?
Physical Health Checks
Drivers’ physical health is important. Underlying medical conditions can easily cause accidents or sub-optimal service. Luckily, physical health checks are already tied into HGV licensing.
On application, and every five years after turning 45, a driver is required to undergo a medical check as a part of the licence application or renewal process. This will check for any eyesight problems, neurological symptoms, any sign of drug or alcohol abuse, and any problems that might cause a sudden change in consciousness or ability, such as diabetes or heart problems.
DBS and Driving History
As part of your interview process, you should be requesting a DBS, or Disclosure and Barring Service check, as well as a Driving History check. The DBS check will reveal any previous criminal convictions which may be relevant, and you will have to consider carefully the type of offence a potential employee may have committed in the past. Driving history checks can be requested from the DVLA and will reveal points and disqualifications. Trusting someone who has previous serious vehicular or theft-related offences might require some exceptional circumstances.
Ongoing Spot Checks
Lastly, establish some ongoing checks and seriously consider incorporating truck camera systems into your fleet. Not only will these keep tabs on your drivers, but they will also protect them, as you will have video evidence of your employee not being at fault in case of an accident.
Ongoing spot checks for drug and alcohol misuse might also be appropriate, whether or not signs are apparent. An employee who is under the influence of any substances could be a major risk to your business.
