Navigating Changes in Load Securement Regulations: A Manager’s Guide
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- Navigating Changes in Load Securement Regulations: A Manager’s Guide
The UK’s HGV sector is fast-paced and places much responsibility on transport managers. One part of this responsibility is ensuring that your company (and your drivers) abide by load-securing regulations to comply with the law and keep the roads safe.
In order to remain compliant, managers need to possess a comprehensive knowledge of the regulations as they exist and when they are updated. In this article, we’ll look at strategies you can use to ensure your team follows the rules and unnecessary penalties are avoided.
Understanding Load Securement Regulations
Load securement regulations represent an essential element of DfT rules governing HGV drivers in Britain. Keeping within the bounds of these laws does not happen by accident, and so requires proactive steps to be taken by transport managers. This also needs to be backed by an understanding of the different load types and appropriate securement methods.
Managers must ensure that:
- Current practices are continuously evaluated to identify potential improvements
- DVSA/DfT updates are monitored, and training is adjusted accordingly
- Take measures that encourage a culture of compliance with drivers
We’ll cover the steps required to create this culture shortly, but it’s also important to note there are many types of software that can aid you in your efforts. Real-time monitoring and record-keeping can be enjoyed for a minimal investment, so don’t miss out on its support.
How to Foster a Culture of Compliance
Transport managers can use a range of different measures when looking to encourage a culture of compliance with load securement regs. It starts with having a firm structure for everyone to follow and employing the following strategies.
- Regular audits & checks – As well as conducting regular checks that drivers are aware of in advance, it’s also good to carry out unannounced audits. However, these should be seen as teaching moments rather than as a punishment strategy.
- Communicating expectations – You can’t expect company guidelines to be met if you don’t clearly communicate what’s expected. As such, you should provide drivers with easy-to-read written guidelines on load securement practices to ensure they’re easy to access.
- Driver incentives – Good performance should also be rewarded, so if you have drivers who consistently follow the guidelines, you should provide recognition and possibly rewards.
- Feedback loop – Drivers should feel comfortable raising issues and/or suggesting improvements concerning load securement. This will ensure that they feel involved in the process and are much more likely to come forward with valuable feedback.
- Ongoing education – Knowledge can quickly become stale, particularly if the DVLA or DfT updates guidelines, so regular training must be provided, including practical demonstrations of the latest techniques.
Following Load Securement Regulations Requires an Organised Strategy
Abiding by current load securement regulations in the UK is not a one-time thing, as the landscape continuously evolves. As such, if you want to meet this ongoing challenge, you’ll need to understand the regulations as they exist and employ an organised and robust strategy. Investing in software can also help your efforts by making the whole process easier to manage.
Also, by promoting a culture of compliance through clear communication and regular training, you’ll do much to ensure that every one of your drivers toes the line. By doing so, you’ll do your bit to keep the UK’s roads safer while protecting your company’s reputation.
If you’re in need of support in this area, you should reach out to the HGVC to discuss online driver risk assessment that will give you a clear idea of how you can improve in this area.
