Driver Tiredness workshops for Shell UK and contractors - II

Press Release
28/07/2004

During June and July AWAKE ran two 2-day Driver Tiredness workshops for Shell UK, Shell Ireland and Shell's contractors: Hoyer, Sucklings, Stiller, Reynolds Logistics and Montgomery Tank Services. The events, which took place in Manchester and Dublin, were attended by 26 delegates from the companies. These included Driver Trainers, Health and Safety Managers, Training Managers, Schedulers, Contract Managers and Transport Managers.

These were the latest in a series of workshops that AWAKE scientists have run for Petrochemical companies, for whom driver tiredness is one of the most challenging issues they face.

In addition to presentations on the extent of the problem, and the short term countermeasures that drivers and their families can put in place to cope with the effects of shiftwork and driver tiredness, the events were an opportunity for the companies to identify long term strategies that they can put in place to minimise the harmful effects of shift work on the workforce. The events culminated with an action planning session to enable the companies to propose strategies for rolling out the training to their workforces.

The AWAKE Managing Director said: "These were groundbreaking events - it is the first time we have run Driver Tiredness workshops which have been attended by contractors and their client. Shell are to be applauded for their innovative, proactive approach to this most challenging of issues."

"Feedback was universally positive - it was great to see that we were able to bring about a fundamental change in attitude and understanding in the group, from seeing driver tiredness as a sad but almost inevitable consequence of their operations, to recognising that all parties have a part to play in reducing risk. Our role is to show companies that there are effective strategies that they can develop which will have a major impact on driver awareness, reduce accident risk, and which will ultimately result in a safer, happier workforce."

Comments from delegates included:

“I really enjoyed this course, I have learned much and think that one day this seminar could save my life or maybe someone else’s life. Very well presented. Thank you.” (Driver Trainer)

“Excellent package all round, including the CD-Rom” (Transport Manager)

“Most interesting course which detailed the subject in a very professional structure” (Driver training officer)

“A very informative session on a very serious subject” (Contract Manager)

“a very thorough and well put together course with excellent handouts to allow you to relay the message” (Scheduler)

“Very interesting and good format involving expertise from the relevant areas” (Operations Manager).

Not the after effects of the Awake training! Delegates take a 15-minute Power Nap to demonstrate the beneficial effects of a short nap on alertness.

"The workshops are obviously a great way of raising awareness, but perhaps the most important feature is that, by the end of the workshop, there is a clear commitment on behalf of all concerned to make changes that will lead to a reduction in sleep-related vehicle accidents. The workshops are highly interactive and through their active participation the group acquire key skills that they can apply in their own workforces."

Similar events are now being planned for other regions in Europe, as well as Africa.