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Tag: safety

Gripping Forks

Posted on by David Priestman

David Priestman met with an Australian manufacturer of forks and forklift safety products celebrating its 10th anniversary.

GenieGrips, based in Melbourne, launched a prototype product at a trade show a decade ago. “Fifty people said, ‘we need those’,” Director Louise Inglese tells me. So they set to work, initially with self-adhesive stick pads for forks, made from disposable rubber, that prevent scratching the stainless steel.

The company’s launch in the UK was in 2019. This was hampered by the pandemic causing the cessation of trade shows – which are key for new business generation for GenieGrips. IMHX Birmingham in September 2022 was therefore a relaunch and Inglese is delighted that exhibitions are back.

It is a family-owned firm, with Louise’s husband Michael providing the engineering expertise. Together they spun the company out of CRP Industries, with specialist capability in bonding rubber to metal. “We get customer feedback regarding pain points in managing their forklifts,” Louise Inglese explains, “which leads us to invent and make new products.” For example, the company now offers mats with adjustable hooks, rather than static.

GenieGrips offers 5 product ranges:

· Mats – the top seller, available in various lengths and widths
· Caps – for protecting the tips of forks
· Cushions – which are attached vertically to the uprights of the forks
· Sticker Pads – adhesive, 8 in a box
· Loading Mirrors – acrylic, reflective and adjustable to provide a wide or slim view so that the driver can see in front of the load when loading and unloading (bulky loads obscure the view)

There are about 20 distributors worldwide, including TVH (exclusively so in Mexico). GenieGrips also supplies products to OEMs, including fork attachment suppliers like B&B and forklift manufacturers like Crown and Hyster-Yale, for sale to the final customer, if requested. The products’ good reputation leads to high re-order rates. Keith Waterman runs the British subsidiary. He tells me: “Since having been given the opportunity to promote and distribute this great product customers are showing a lot of interest in GenieGrips, which helps and makes the job a lot easier. The feedback from customers is always positive, no matter what they are moving.

Fork coverings

“Our website is having a lot of interest with existing customers ordering more products to put on the rest of their fleet of FLT’s, which is always satisfying. My ambition is to see the bright yellow fork coverings and loading mirrors on all FLT’s across the country, knowing that the work place is a safer environment and that companies are also protecting their products and reaping the financial rewards too. And what’s better is representing and working for a wonderful team at GenieGrips.

The mission of Genie Grips is to improve safety in working environments throughout the world with their high-quality range. To achieve that goal in Europe, they decided to cooperate with C&H Maastricht, based in south-east Netherlands. The official European introduction happened during LogiMAT 2018 in Stuttgart. C&H Maastricht executed a pre-exhibition marketing strategy to inform the market of their presence at the show. This resulted in interest and orders from all over the world, giving GenieGrips a successful foothold on the European market. Now, C&H Maastricht operates as the European Sales Support Office and official agent for GenieGrips in Europe.

What of the next steps for the company? Louise Inglese: “We strive for continual improvement. Over the next six months there will be a release of the GenieGrips® Mats and Cushions with new and improved features. We design our products with convenience in mind so that our customers can remain active and profitable. Even though, as an Australian business, we believe in producing our products with the highest standard possible, we endeavour to keep our products affordable and relevant.”

Fatigued operators are 7.3x greater accident risk

Posted on by Keith McKinley

A 2013 study by the US Department of Transportation (US DoT) is receiving newfound attention, due to the recent release of ReadiML, the Machine Learning software from Fatigue Science that operationalises a scientific fatigue prediction model for daily use by transportation fleets.

In the study, the US DoT determined that when locomotive engineers are predicted by the scientific model to be severely fatigued, those operators carry an accident cost exposure that is over 7 times higher than it is for non-fatigued operators.

Key to this story is that “fatigue” could be predicted in advance of actual vehicle operation – unlocking the opportunity for proactive measures within dispatch operations to pinpoint and avert severe risks before they happen.

The US DoT study, Fatigue Status of the US Railroad Industry, used data collected in the railroad industry in the US between 2003 and 2005. Within the dataset, logs from 731 unique human factors accidents (HFAs) were compared to the predicted fatigue level of each operator. Fatigue predictions were derived using the SAFTE Biomathematical Fatigue Model, which analysed assumptions of operators’ sleep in the days preceding each sleep period. These assumptions were based on the periods of sleep opportunity afforded by each operator’s work hours.

Greater risk from fatigued operators

The analysis revealed the probability of a human factors accident (HFA) per 200,000 employee-hours, in cases with severe fatigue and, separately, in cases where no fatigue was present. In cases of severe fatigue – when the operator’s SAFTE Effectiveness Score was below 50 – the probability was 0.276. (The SAFTE Effectiveness Score is now known as the ReadiScore). In contrast, in cases without fatigue (ReadiScore >90), the HFA probability was only 0.152.

The risk of an HFA was thus 1.82x higher when severe fatigue was predicted by the model – nearly double.

Moreover, the study revealed a significant difference in accident cost between those that occurred under various levels of fatigue. Railroad accidents with a fatigued operator (ReadiScore <70) presented an average cost of $1.6m, in contrast to only a $400,000 average cost when no fatigue (ReadiScore >90) was predicted.

It is not known how much larger than $1.6m the average accident cost would be for the subset of fatigue cases classified as “extreme” (ReadiScore <50), but it is reasonable to assume that the cost would likely be even higher than the larger pool of fatigued cases (ReadiScore <70).

With the conservative assumption that accidents from “extreme fatigue” were no more costly than those from merely “high fatigue”, the implication is clear: fatigue-related accidents cost at least four times more, on average, than non-fatigue related accidents.

Combining the statistics on accident probability and accident cost, the result is at least a 7.3x higher accident cost exposure when operating critically fatigued (ReadiScore <50), as compared to operating without fatigue.

Linde Motion Detection assistance system wins industry award

Posted on by David Priestman

This year’s winner of MM Maschinenmarkt’s “Best of Industry Award” in the Warehouse Equipment category is not a vehicle, but an assistance system. The “Linde Motion Detection” solution from intralogistics specialist Linde Material Handling protects pedestrians by registering movement behind a stationary forklift and preventing it from starting up. In this way, both operational safety and a productive operating process are taken into account, so that forklift drivers, warehouse staff and fleet operators all benefit at the end of the day.

From the time the competition was launched in 2016, there have never been more contestants participating in the “Best of Industry Award”. A total of 190 entries in 24 categories were received by MM Maschinenmarkt, a trade journal that is part of the Vogel Communications Group based in Würzburg. This year, the winners were decided exclusively by online voting, which ran for five months. During this period almost 20,000 votes were cast. Innovations and further developed solutions that were launched on the market between June 2021 and March 2022 qualified for submission.

Assistance system prevents truck from moving

“The fact that accidents, some of them serious, occur time and again in in-house transport is a truism,” said Bernd Maienschein, specialist editor of MM Logistik, at the online awards ceremony on 12th December. “Linde Motion Detection focuses in particular on movement behind the truck. When the system detects movement, it automatically prevents the truck from reversing and warns the driver via the display. Optionally, this warning can also be given acoustically.

“The vehicle can only be driven once the hazardous situation has been resolved and the accelerator pedal has been actively returned to its initial position. This safety measure triggered by Linde Motion Detection results in fewer accidents and – not to be overlooked – higher productivity in terms of the work equipment,” the editor adds.

“We are delighted that the Linde assistance system was chosen as a winner and see this as confirmation that we are on the right track with our efforts to improve safety in in-house material flow,” Fabian Zimmermann, Product Manager Safety, commented enthusiastically on the award. “This recognition from customers and industry experts motivates us to continue on our chosen path. It makes it clear just how crucially important the topic of safety is to operations. Many thanks to everyone who voted for Linde Motion Detection.”

 

Linde offers explosion protection at highest level

Posted on by David Priestman

Since their introduction in 2021, the latest electric counterbalance trucks from Linde Material Handling (MH) have been setting new standards with regard to ergonomics, visibility, safety and energy efficiency. Now, the Linde E25 to E35 models are also available in explosion-proof versions.

Operators can thus benefit from the extensive range of advantages offered by these series-production trucks. The vehicles for ATEX zone 2/22 are already available, with the versions for zone 1/21 to follow in mid-2023.

It was one of the crowd-pullers at the Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Substances trade fair in Leipzig at the beginning of November: the new Linde E25 to E35 EX electric forklift truck for ATEX zone 2/22. With the models of this series, the fundamentally improved generation of Linde counterbalance trucks is now also available for use in hazardous areas.

Close collaboration

“The close collaboration between series and Ex truck development at Linde Material Handling has proven its worth once again,” emphasizes Elke Karnarski, Product Manager Ex-Proof Trucks. The design of the chassis, cab and mast provides an optimal view of the vehicle, load and working environment, thus serving both increased handling performance and greater operational safety. Additionally, drivers benefit from an optimized operator’s workplace which is even more generously dimensioned than in the previous models and offers more headroom, for example.

“Thanks to the complete integration of the explosion protection measures, the advantages of the series-production trucks are fully retained for all ATEX zones,” affirms Karnarski.

At the same time, operation in hazardous environments is taken into account. Protection against static charge is provided by plastic trim, floor mats and tires, as well as seat upholstery and armrests made of dissipative material. For the first time, the front, rear and roof wipers for zone 1/21 are electrically operated as standard. As with the standard vehicles, drivers of explosion-proof models can read important information – such as the battery charge status, error codes or when the next service is due – on a 3.5-inch display (standard for zone 2/22) or the generous 7-inch TFT colour display (optional for zone 2/22, standard for zone 1/21).

Safety-relevant values, such as the temperature of various components, are also monitored and alerts are shown on a separate display. Additionally, the EX-Monitoring app provides the driver with specific recommendations for action such as letting the vehicle cool down for 15 minutes, for example. The app also enables predictive maintenance, by way of monitoring safety-critical wear parts and prompting the customer at an early stage to schedule a service appointment.

Comfortable, economical, safe and agile

In addition, the driver’s workplace is largely decoupled from the drive unit and mast, and an elastomer ring bearing is used for shock absorption on the front axle. This is particularly noticeable when driving over thresholds, guide rails or uneven ground, as it makes driving more comfortable and also safeguards the operator.

Efficient motors ensure reduced energy consumption. In turn, the electronic temperature monitoring system on the traction motors, which is linked to a safety warning and shutdown function, is a typical explosion-protection feature. Furthermore, all electronic controls, sensors, fuses and relays are centrally located in a pressure-resistant control housing, which is integrated into the rear of the vehicle for easy servicing. For fast, convenient charging of the lead-acid battery, optional access is provided via the rear of the vehicle.

Another special feature of the new explosion-proof E-Trucks is the great number of optional assistance systems and lighting solutions. As with the standard trucks, customers can choose from many equipment variants. Both LED headlights, BlueSpot, LED strips and VertiLight are available in non-sparking versions or as sealed components. The same applies to assistance systems such as the Linde Load-Assist, Safety Pilot, electronic seat belt monitoring and Linde Safety Guard. Added to this are the benefits of the Linde:connect fleet management solution with access control and electronic damage monitoring. The data transmission unit fitted as standard makes the explosion-proof trucks fit for digital logistics processes such as software updates.

Explosion protection from Linde

With the new Linde E25 to E35 EX E-Trucks, customers also receive qualified customer service, a 24/7 supply of standard and ATEX spare parts, as well as the respective ATEX certificates and detailed operating manuals, in addition to individual vehicle configurations.

 

 

Ensuring the safety of damaged electric vehicles

Posted on by David Priestman

Over recent years, the electric vehicle (EV) market has grown significantly, as we drive for sustainable solutions to support our green future. However, if EVs become damaged, safe storage and monitoring by workshops and recovery vehicles is key to prevent further risk. Tommy Carnebo, risk management specialist, Dafo Vehicle Fire Protection, discusses the risks of damaged EVs and how these can be mitigated to maximise safety.

By 2030, it’s estimated that, globally, there will be over 300 million EVs on the road (up from 16.5 million at the end of 2021). This comes as governments worldwide continue to push sustainability agendas to reduce carbon emissions. Predominately powered by lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries, EVs also present a new kind of fire risk – thermal runaway:

  1. If a battery overheats, overcharges or is subject to physical damage or overvoltage, it can cause an internal malfunction.
  2. That can lead to smoke emissions, alongside rapid temperature increases throughout the battery cells.
  3. If not controlled almost instantly, this can lead to fire, toxic emissions (eg hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and cyanide) and potentially large explosions.

Thermal runaway is extremely difficult to extinguish using traditional fire suppression systems once it’s initiated. And, as EV numbers on roads continue to increase, as does the risk of thermal runaway.

For mechanic workshops, recovery vehicles, commercial vehicle handlers, first and second responders, or any other business responsible for the storage and handling of electric vehicles after road collisions, the risk of thermal runaway is particularly pertinent.

Thermal runaway is also a risk for lithium iron phosphate batteries, as they burn in the same way as li-ion batteries. However, as these batteries often contain less energy than li-ion batteries, the risk is potentially lower.

The need for a new approach

As thermal runaway can develop rapidly, for example overnight when damaged EVs are stored in a closed unit, it’s essential to have an effective fire detection system in place to maximise safety and prevent further damage to the EV, any surrounding valuable assets and the environment.

Traditional fire detection systems will often only detect thermal runaway as it advances and temperatures have begun to rise. At this stage, temperature rises can be irreversible and toxic gas emissions can cause serious health risks. Instead, damaged EVs need a unique fire detection system, which will identify thermal runaway in its earliest stage, identifying changes in the carbon monoxide levels, before temperatures increase.

As EV accidents can happen on the road, meaning damaged vehicles often need to be towed for periods of time before storage, a portable detection solution is key. This also enables the system to be applied and reused for different vehicles, giving cost savings for workshops.

By using sensors to immediately detect smoke emissions from the vehicle’s high risk areas, these detection systems can alert those nearby to the risk and can also be connected to a site’s fire alarm system, alerting first responders.

This also reduces necessary EV quarantine and downtime after a vehicle collision and makes the overall work environment safer.

DP World invests €80m in HSE innovations

Posted on by Keith McKinley

DP World has reduced the risk of injury by 40% across its European portfolio by investing €80m in key safety practices and equipment upgrades, as well as improving reliability using the latest digital software.

The global end-to-end logistics and smart trade enabler has always put employee safety at the centre of its daily operations and has a strong record on safety in Europe, but DP World believes it has made huge progress in safety and accident prevention in the last 12 months due to significant investments in smart solutions.

Combined with innovation and employee experience, DP World’s redefined HSE practices are resulting in a marked improvement in safety, which in turn enhances productivity trade movement across the continent.

Enoma Woghiren, Regional Head of HSSE for DP World Europe, said: “With 20 terminals in 12 countries across the breadth of Europe, and 8,000 staff to care for, we have been guided by our first ever Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Risk annual report, a North Star for our efforts to become a beneficial and safe logistics operator. Our activities across the continent are creating a safety benchmark for us as an organisation and our industry peers in Europe and beyond.”

Facilities in terminals in, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Turkey are prime examples of the innovative DP World approach to reducing safety risk.

In Belgium, DP World Antwerp has built a world-first straddle carrier platform and refuelling station. The €2m, 150m-high structure was opened in September 2021, allowing drivers to get on and off their tall vehicles safely, while also creating a shielded safe zone for fuelling, cleaning and inflating tyres.

The platform allows drivers to enter the straddle carriers at cab level, thereby removing the risk of them climbing the ladder into the cab. The tyre inflation station protects staff from the risk of injury from parts being pushed out due to air pressure and improves productivity by inflating tyres in just two minutes rather than 15.

The investment in the platform is part of DP World Antwerp’s wider €200m investment to increase capacity and productivity using an approach that will redefine sustainability at the terminal by continually enhancing safety features and reducing its carbon emissions.

Another such feature which has recently been launched is its Route 1700 mobile app, which protects truck drivers from harm by giving them the option to complete their pre-shift administrative processes before entering the port vicinity where there are lots of moving vehicles.

Elsewhere in the region, DP World Yarimca, Turkey, is finding innovative ways to make safety smarter. This terminal has recently adopted Digital Surveyor, which allows customers and employees to view the work being done on vessels remotely, thereby reducing the number of people on-site and reducing the risk of accidents.

The cutting-edge analysis software can inspect and assess safety levels and risk in marine vessels and their cargo. This process is normally carried out by an individual and can take 78-hours a month per vessel. For a small-scale port, this process is repeated 10,360 times for an average of 1,480 containers every month – which equates to significantly reduced capacity and revenue.

DP World Yarimca’s new technology is reclaiming all this lost time, while also identifying and reducing potential risks and their related costs. That means safer employees and customers, reduced ongoing costs and increased capacity.

In the Netherlands, Rotterdam World Gateway has invested in more sustainable electric vehicles and has identified the potential risk of an increase in battery fires, which can happen as batteries age or are damaged in any way. To prevent this, the team have built an on-site battery pool, where they can sink at-risk batteries in water until they can be repaired or sustainably disposed of.

Celebrating the region’s safety accomplishments, Woghiren concluded: “At DP World we want to change what’s possible. We are committed to introducing the latest technology to enhance our proposition and our operations across the globe, but this is not just enhancing our customer experience and enabling growth – it is also allowing us to reduce the carbon emissions generated by our terminals and making them safer places to work and visit.

“This focus on innovation has allowed us to make huge strides in terms of improving the overall safety at our terminals and we will continue to enhance the safety features as we grow and evolve to meet the future needs of our customers and employees.”

 

Rite-Hite celebrates 30-year European anniversary

Posted on by David Priestman

The Rite-Hite group of companies has reached a significant milestone in Europe – three decades of helping industrial firms to improve the safety, security and efficiency of their operations, especially in the area of intralogistics, through high quality products and services.

Soon after the company was founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1965, it quickly established a reputation for its pioneering work and numerous innovative product developments, such that by the early 1970s it was already known as a premier supplier of door and loading dock equipment in the American market.

The success of its US operations led to the opening of its first European branch in Holland in 1992, with a focus on products that would make the logistical flow of materials and goods within companies safer, more productive and more energy-efficient. A hydraulic dock leveller with integrated safety function to help prevent forklift crashes at the loading ramp was the very first Rite-Hite product to be sold in Europe, and one such leveller installed 30 years ago is still in operation.

After only a few years, the decision was made to invest in owned production sites on the European continent. After initial exploratory talks at an industrial fair in the early 2000s, Rite-Hite was able to acquire the dock leveller manufacturer CAEMA in Volkmarsen, Germany. This location thus became the European headquarters and has been trading as Rite-Hite GmbH since 2013.

The increasing demand for safely and efficiently transporting goods in the European market prompted Rite-Hite to rapidly expand its network within Europe. As part of its extensive dealer and service network, today, Rite-Hite has company-owned branches in Austria, France, Italy, the UK and the Netherlands and exclusive partners in all other major European countries. An additional production site is also maintained in Poland.

Showrooms have been built where customers can test products intensively, as well as a company-owned training centre where practical expert knowledge is delivered. This expansion has allowed Rite-Hite Europe to offer more industrial equipment solutions such as vehicle restraints, high speed doors, HVLS fans and safety barriers, in addition to the dock levellers they have always been known for.

In keeping with its motto of Always Looking Ahead, Rite-Hite is involved with the advancing digitalisation in logistics and intralogistics and is developing smart connected product solutions for the requirements of tomorrow. The company’s solutions for improving the carbon footprint of logistics properties are also attracting rapidly growing interest. A dedicated team of experts shows companies ways in which their buildings can be planned or modernised in a sustainable and energy-saving manner.

Thorsten Mauritz, European Marketing Manager for Rite-Hite, says that recently the company has been breaking new ground strategically and organisationally in Europe: “Numerous processes in production and administration have been successfully optimised with the help of modern lean management methods, which focus on the employees,” he explains.

“For this, the company was awarded the Lean Base ‘Newcomer’ Award 2022, among other prizes. In this context, the creation of a European corporate culture, with a solid system of values to which every employee can orientate themselves and which is based on respect, trust and team spirit, as well as diverse and extensive measures and investments to improve the attractiveness as an employer, were also decisive.

“As the company grows, the focus remains on meeting and exceeding the needs of customers and providing an excellent work environment for employees.”

Be smart and take full control of site inspections

Posted on by Keith McKinley

[ADVERTORIAL]

Increase inspection efficiency with Scafftag‘s reliable holders and inserts that can communicate the safety status of any type of equipment at the point of use. Furthermore, planning, inspecting and reporting can be streamlined, customised and largely automated to save time with SafeTrak software and app. Discover complete solution from Scafftag – A Brady Company.

Visual Tagging solutions from Scafftag

Visual Tagging solutions communicate the latest equipment inspection and status at the point of use and record an audit trail of equipment maintenance, tests and inspections to comply with health and safety legislation.

Scafftag inspection tag systems help control pre-shift inspections, maintenance and identification of all and any aspect of site and/or equipment, improving workplace safety and communication. Scafftag offers visual tagging systems to meet your needs for a wide variety of applications, including (but not limited to) hoarding, fencing, temporary works, spill, fire and first aid, excavations and excavators…

Clear communication at the point of use

When properly used and applied on equipment and in plain view, Scafftag can always communicate the latest equipment status to anyone who wants to use a specific piece of equipment. Tags are available for almost any tool or equipment, including ladders, scaffolds, drills, vehicles and engines. Inspection records on the tag’s insert will show when equipment was considered fit for use. When equipment fails inspection, the inspector can remove the insert to show a clear ‘Do not use’ message on the tag’s holder. In this way, Scafftag helps prevent costly workplace accidents resulting from the use of unfit equipment.

The majority of our solutions comprise two components – a holder attached to the asset or equipment, and replaceable inserts to record latest inspection and notable data. This creates a simple three-stage looped process for latest equipment status and a clear data trail:

  1. Empty holder displays: Do not Use, Do not enter, Inspection Required, etc…
  2. Equipment is inspected periodically, the insert is completed and placed in the holder.
  3. If equipment should not be used, remove the insert from holder.

This ensures you have a permanent data trail of inspections and work carried out, as well as evidence in a court of law if you need it.

Extremely robust and reliable

Scafftag holders and inserts are designed to last in extreme outdoor conditions. Holders are made out of ABS or Nylon and will rarely break. The polypropylene inserts can withstand water, oil and dirt while still being easy to write on. Both the holder and insert can resist prolonged UV exposure in order to stay legible in construction sites.

Both the holders and removable inserts are highly customisable and can support the standardisation of inspection procedures. A QR code can also be printed on the inserts or holders to activate a digital inspection flow via a smartphone and Safetrak software, complete with inspection planning management and automatic inspection report generation.

Discover a wide range of tools and equipment you can immediately increase compliance for in our guide “OPTIMISE EQUIPMENT SAFETY”

CLICK HERE to download the free guide.

 

VisionTrack signs up for TSR

Posted on by David Priestman

VisionTrack, a leading AI video telematics and connected fleet data specialist, has entered into a membership agreement with global NGO, Together for Safer Roads (TSR). As part of the collaboration, the company will provide its leading vehicle camera technology to TSR’s Truck of the Future pilot program, which aims to eliminate collisions between HGVs and other road users through enhanced driver visibility.

“Our vision is to create a world where all road-users are kept safe from harm, whether HGV drivers, motorists, cyclists or pedestrians,” says Richard Kent, VP of Global Sales at VisionTrack. “We share a commitment with Together for Safer Roads to eliminate traffic fatalities, and by bringing our leading AI video telematic solutions to the Truck of the Future program, we believe we can further this collective goal.”

TSR acts as a bridge providing a path for local governments and public organisations to work with innovative technology providers from the private sector to make all modes of transport safer. The VisionTrack partnership is already underway with the implementation of advanced video-enabled solutions – underpinned by device-agnostic, multi-award-winning IoT platform, Autonomise.ai – across fleets who have joined TSR’s Truck of the Future.

The Truck of the Future program identifies and tests innovative and cost-effective solutions to eliminate collisions between large vehicle operators and other road users, especially the most vulnerable, with driver visibility a high priority. Utilising connected cameras and video telematics from VisionTrack, drivers can gain a 360° view around the vehicle, which will help save lives.

“In the US alone, there was more than 40,000 deaths in 2020 from traffic crashes on roadways, with truck incidents representing 12% of the total fatalities, while only making up 4% of the vehicles operating on the road,” says Noah Budnick, Executive Director, Together for Safer Roads. “The incorporation of new technologies, data and innovative approaches to road safety is imperative to eliminating fatalities and making roads safe for all. Partnering with VisionTrack enhances our ability to make Vision Zero a global reality.”

More information about TSR and Truck of the Future will be provided during TSR’s 2022 Annual Meeting taking place September 21-22 in New York City as well as virtually.

GXO graduate swaps Kent for Kampala

Posted on by David Priestman

Tessa Wilson, a Graduate Management Trainee at GXO UK and Ireland, has commenced a six-month secondment as a Project Officer for the second phase of Transaid’s Professional Driver Training Uganda project, helping the country to respond to the huge rise in demand for HGV and PSV drivers.

The appointment sees Tessa swap her previous placement at a GXO facility in Kent for Kampala’s tropical climate, working closely with Transaid’s non-governmental organisation (NGO) partner, the Safe Way Right Way Driver Training Centre, as well as local truck and bus fleet operators.

Tessa explains: “This is one of the biggest challenges I’ve taken on and I’m really enjoying the opportunity to work in such a different environment. I’m only a few weeks in, but I’ve already learnt new skills and it is wonderful to be contributing to such a hugely important project.”

During the secondment Tessa will split her time between the training centre and meetings with local businesses running commercial vehicle fleets, to reinforce the importance of professional driver training and the opportunities and benefits of hiring female drivers.

Neil Rettie, Transaid’s Road Safety Project Manager, says: “Thanks to the continued support from GXO we can deliver a level of resource at a local level which otherwise wouldn’t have been possible full-time.

“The value Tessa is bringing cannot be underestimated; plus, we know from experience that these placements can go a long way to helping secondees develop their skills and confidence in an environment you just can’t replicate at a UK level.”

Transaid and Safe Way Right Way have been tasked with training 750 drivers in Uganda between April 2021 and April 2023, of which at least 25 should be female – a goal which has already been exceeded, with more than 40 female drivers having completed the training to-date.

This project is an initiative of the GIZ Employment and Skills for Development in Africa (E4D) programme, which is funded by the German and Norwegian governments. It is being implemented jointly by Transaid and local NGO Safe Way Right Way on behalf of GIZ E4D.

The Professional Driver Training Uganda project is one of Transaid’s largest driver training programmes, currently running alongside similar initiatives in Ghana, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia.

Tessa picks up the baton from colleague Abbie Rennison, who had previously been on secondment from GXO on the project. The opportunity to participate in secondment programmes is one of the many benefits open to Transaid corporate members.

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