JSR Haulage LTD – Improving Safety with the FORS Gold

JSR Haulage LTD is a subcontractor to Aggregate Industries, based in Purfleet, Essex. The company primarily transports asphalt and aggregate throughout London and surrounding counties. Thanminder Rai, Manager explains how the company has used FORS to make many improvements, specifically in fuel consumption and cycle safety.

‘I initially came across FORS as a contractual condition through Aggregate Industries, for those working on Crossrail,’ explains Thanminder. ‘I did some research to determine whether FORS would benefit us. I realised very quickly that FORS creates a great opportunity for a haulage company to measure its current standards against recognised industry best practice.’

When preparing for the initial FORS assessment it was apparent that we already had a system in place, however FORS helped us put our policies and procedures into a comprehensive manual. We passed our Bronze assessment with flying colours and received excellent positive feedback, which motivated us to continue progressing.

Achieving Bronze FORS reassured us that the procedures we consider to be paramount are also considered high standard within the haulage industry’ continues Thanminder. ‘From this point we were encouraged to work towards Silver status.

Once we were Bronze accredited we really made use of the performance management tool kit, and the telephone support available from the FORS team was extremely helpful in achieving Silver.

Aggregate Industries have shown recognition of our Bronze accreditation and have in response provided us with work on sites such as TfL and Crossrail, which require the close proximity safety equipment.

Aggregate Industries have also provided a financial contribution towards the cost of the close proximity safety equipment, which was a promotional and limited offer encouraging franchise hauliers to be the first on the FORS scheme. Aggregate Industries have made it a standard specification for this equipment to be fitted to all new vehicles from 2013’ continues Thanminder.

‘With the support of Aggregate Industries it has helped us achieve Gold,’ explains Thanminder.

One of the biggest changes we’ve made as a result of FORS, and a key contributor to achieving Gold status, has been the fitment of cycle safety side sensors and side guards. We are now more aware than ever of the risk of fatal accidents and these features are aiding in reducing that risk.

‘Investing time training our drivers is also an ongoing commitment for us. One way we ensure our drivers are up to date is through tool box talks, the Fors on-line and SUD (Safe Urban Driving) training,’ explains Thanminder.

‘Since April 2013 we’ve achieved an impressive improvement in our Miles per Gallon (MPG) of nearly 13%. We can attribute these savings predominately to the purchase of new euro 6 vehicles, use of a telematics system and driver training.’

‘The fitness of our drivers is paramount in ensuring the safe and effective running of our Fleet. One way we do this is by ensuring our drivers have regular sight tests ‘continues Thanminder.

‘FORS has helped us achieve an improvement in our Miles per Gallon of 13%,’ explains Thanminder. Moving forward, we aim to reduce engine idling from 5 minutes to 3 minutes between March 2018 and March 2019 with the use of a telematics system, thus giving us better fuel consumption,’ explains Thanminder.

FORS has encouraged and supported our progression through the 3 levels, and we are proud to be one of the small companies to be awarded FORS Gold status. However, our journey does not end here, as it’s all about continual improvement and ensuring we remain proactive in implementing best practice and developing our drivers.

‘The FORS scheme is of great value to any freight business operating in London, or anywhere else. FORS Gold status is achievable for any business, big or small. We encourage all small businesses to achieve FORS Gold,’ Thanminder concludes.