Section 1 – Introduction
Archbell Greenwood Structures Ltd. has been involved in the structural steelwork industry for over 36 years with headquarters based in Fleetwood Lancashire. The company operates a transport fleet throughout the United Kingdom.
Section 2 – How did you hear about FORS, what prompted the company to join and how long have you been a member?
The company was first introduced to FORS whilst auditing the freight arrangements of a Powered Access supplier. It soon became apparent that the scheme would be beneficial for the company both in the available guidance and in satisfying accreditation requirements.
Section 3 – What was your experience of the initial FORS Bronze audit?
The company made adjustments in mid-2016 to implement and align systems to meet the Bronze standard, with initial accreditation accomplished soon after without disruption and with little cost to the company.
Section 4 – What was your main reason(s) for you progressing (either from Bronze to Silver and then Silver to Gold or straight from Bronze to Gold)?
After 3-years of maintaining the Bronze standard, the company realised that it was already complying with the majority of both the Silver and Gold requirements. The gap analysis carried out by the management team confirmed any areas where the company was not meeting the standard would also be a benefit if accomplished.
Following Bronze accreditation, the company has made extensive use of the comprehensive and reader-friendly FORS publications and in particular in regard to driver competencies and training, with many of the programmes strengthening the knowledge and performance levels of our staff.
‘The standards set by FORS have enhanced our own. This is evident throughout all levels of the business’ – J.Mallon
Running costs of the fleet improved along with advancements made in compliance checks and in the retention of documents – a result of the structured approach FORS provides. Management knowledge was also reinforced with the use of approved workshops and seminars.
‘Being FORS accredited has opened doors to opportunities and prospects which have proved invaluable to the company’ – J.Mallon
Section 6 – What improvements have you made?
These shall include:
- Performance data – Use data provided for FORS requirements S2 and G2. See example below for table (data can be presented in different table format if you prefer)
|
|
MPG | Incidents per 100,000 Kms | Number of PCNs |
| Year 1 | 16.13 | Zero | Zero |
| Year 2 | 19.72 | Zero | Zero |
| Percentage improvement | 22% | – | – |
The company undertakes an exhaustive regime of occupational health surveillance, assessments and promotions for all staff, with an emphasis on personal health and welfare which enables a healthy and stable workforce.
We have been involved in the direct recruitment and supporting of learners through recognised apprenticeships since the company’s inception. Many of the company’s senior personnel are a product of this policy.
The company also participates in a number of training providers’, colleges’ and academies’ career evenings and business promotions to bolster our learner interest and apprentice intake.
Our detailed Driver Manual gives guidance on methods and practices to reduce the noise generated at work with aids and equipment available to help mitigate. These measures are reviewed periodically and in the event of any changes e.g. to to schedules or new collection/delivery addresses.
Since gaining accreditation with FORS, the company has restructured and reduced the size of its fleet and has experimented with other transport methods, with the market’s alternative technology repeatedly reviewed and consideration for suitability.
Section 7 – What are your plans for the future?
The future of the company will remain to reduce the risks to its staff and to the public as a consequence of its undertakings, as well as raising and achieving new standards.
Section 8 – What evidence do you have of positively promoting FORS at requirement G7?
The company has upheld the FORS standard within educational circles at a local level, and with major and principal contractors across multiple sectors.
Section 9 –What FORS Gold accredition means for your organisation/to you?
Securing Gold accreditation will signify the work and effort invested by the company in improving our performance levels and will allow us to advance in meeting environmental obligations and client expectations.
Section 10 – (Optional) Please provide your social media contact details so we can follow your organisation
N/A
Section 11 – FORS members’ feedback questionnaire
Please could you take the time to complete a short questionnaire and provide feedback about FORS. Please note all answers you provide will be strictly confidential and will only be used by FORS to help us to improve the scheme. To access the survey, please click the link here: https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=153908006313
*Please note: All published FORS Gold case studies have been submitted by the accredited company named above and transcribed verbatim