Driver programme enhances ‘crash-free’ workplace

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A timely new driver safety programme enhances ‘crash-free’ workplace culture

Monday, May 25, 2009, 12:00 pm
Press Release: GSB Supplycorp LTD

Employers and employees who use motor vehicles for work purposes stand to benefit from an innovative vehicle awareness and driver safety programme developed by GSB Supplycorp and Boomrock.

FleetSafe NZ, a new programme drawing on the latest international research and new vehicle technology, offers drivers of passenger vehicles, vans and utility vehicles, as well as 4WD and specialist vehicles such as ambulances, the tools to improve their driving safety, reduce fuel usage and save lives through reduced crash risk.

The nationwide programme is run by highly qualified driving experts, and incorporates four NZQA-approved unit standards and involves both theoretical and practical instruction for participants, who may also choose to have an on-line risk-assessment completed ahead of their attendance in order to allow for individualised tutoring.

Participants in the half-day course can expect to enjoy an overall decrease in wear and tear on their vehicles, significantly reduced fuel costs, a decrease in costs associated with accidents, which in the long-term will see lower ACC and insurance premiums for their organisations.

“I can’t think of anything a company could do to better protect their employees than introducing them to FleetSafe NZ,” Boomrock owner Jonny Eastwick believes. “This is a programme that incorporates the theoretical and the practical, with an educational DVD, based on the latest international research”.

“After seven years of testing, measuring and developing Fleetsafe NZ, we now hear from clients all the time asking us why all drivers of a motor vehicle aren’t exposed to this trend-setting programme.”

Recent research has shown that motor vehicle driving represents the leading cause of death or injury in the workplace, with as many as a quarter of all collisions involving commercial vehicles.

Other studies suggest that improving individual driving habits can also reduce fuel consumption by as much 25%.

“Taken together, the evidence convincingly shows that the misuse of motor vehicles can be a very costly business,” GSB Supplycorp CEO Peter Royle said.

“This new vehicle awareness and driver safety programme will show organisations how safe-driving practices help avoid tragedy and improve profitability."

Participating organisations would also benefit in terms of fulfilling their obligations under the Health and Safety in Employment Act, which requires employers to take all reasonable steps to provide a safe working environment, including a “crash-free” safety culture.

Mr Royle said GSB already enjoys a reputation for assisting clients with all aspects of fleet sourcing and fleet management, including documenting fit-for-purpose requirements, whole-of-life costs and developing fleet policy.

The procurement service provider already invests considerable amounts of time in updating supplier data around safety, sustainability and whole of life costs in order to ensure its clients take key elements into consideration when sourcing motor vehicles.

ENDS

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