{"id":66645355,"date":"2021-12-10T11:29:00","date_gmt":"2021-12-10T11:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fors-online.org.uk\/cms\/?p=66645355"},"modified":"2021-12-10T11:29:00","modified_gmt":"2021-12-10T11:29:00","slug":"blu-3-continual-improvement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fors-online.org.uk\/cms\/2021\/12\/blu-3-continual-improvement\/","title":{"rendered":"blu-3 \u2013 Continual Improvement"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Section 1 – Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n

blu-3 (UK) Limited is a fully integrated infrastructure provider delivering expertise and knowledge to the UK and Europe’s largest construction projects.\u00a0 Its head office in Larkfield, Kent is supported by additional sites in strategic locations across the Southeast. \u00a0The Fleet department for blu-3 (UK) Limited, explains how the company has continued to increase the average mpg of its vehicles whilst simultaneously reducing fuel usage, carbon dioxide emissions, accident frequency and overall distance covered since joining FORS and passing its first bronze accreditation in 2009.\u00a0 This not only benefits blu-3 (UK) Limited but more importantly, members of the public, other road users and the environment.<\/p>\n

Section 2 <\/strong>\u2013 How did you hear about FORS, what prompted the company to join and how long have you been a member? <\/strong><\/p>\n

We were first introduced to FORS in January 2009 by officers of the HGV traffic division of the Metropolitan Police Service. At the time, the Metropolitan Police Service was promoting FORS on behalf of the Mayor of London to improve the standards of HGV operators based in London boroughs. We recognised that attaining FORS standards would help us to achieve best practice with regards to our transport operations and would complement the many accreditations we hold from governing bodies within the construction industry.<\/p>\n

Section 3<\/strong> \u2013 What was your experience of the initial FORS Bronze audit?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The initial FORS bronze audit was daunting to begin with, but the auditor quickly put us at ease. Working together, we realised that many of the systems and processes required (risk assessments, policies, training records, audits etc.) were already in place and met the required standard, which we have maintained over the years to keep our certifications. (Comments taken from original submission as person who sat the audit is no longer with the business)<\/p>\n

Section 4<\/strong> \u2013 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)?<\/strong><\/p>\n

We decided to progress to silver and ultimately gold as we wanted blu-3 to lead the way in implementing best practice. We also realised the potential for financial savings delivered by an increase in miles per gallon and a reduction in fuel usage, number of trips made, PCN penalties and accidents. We wanted to show our employees and clients alike that we not only had a duty of care but that we truly cared, and we have continued to do that over the years. Some of our clients are also supporters of FORs and some of them require Silver certification as a minimum for all subcontractors working on their projects.<\/p>\n

Whilst being accredited, we really made the most of the benefits on offer, in particular the training system for our drivers and making sure they are kept up to date with the latest courses. We have had a lot of benefit from using the toolbox talks available and have used them to brief all of our drivers and any other companies supporting us to make sure they all meet the same standards. Over the past 3 years we have put 4 people through the FORs practitioner training helping to further improve processes and policies in house along with knowledge of relevant information all of this has helped us to improve not on environmentally and safely but also efficiency and costings.<\/p>\n

Matthew Kendall, Head of Compliance & Quality<\/strong><\/em>, \u201cThere are a number of benefits we have got from our FORs certification. Companies will see it as, we must have this because of a client requirement. But in truth, if utilised properly it offers so much more. We use it to optimise our training for our drivers and make sure they are up to date with the latest regulations and requirements. We have also found that the drivers are constantly looking for efficiencies and smarter routes to reduce the amount of wasted time and fuel usage. We have found that it has made our drivers more aware of their surroundings and give more consideration to safety and the other vehicles or pedestrians around them. Overall, the cost is not considered as the benefits far out way them.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Gaynor Sharp, Plant & Transport Manager<\/strong><\/em>, \u201cIt allows blu-3 to have a safer and better fleet efficiency. It also allows us to look into and understand more details about the environmental\/sustainable impact including fuel consumption, idling and much more\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Section 6 <\/strong>\u2013 What improvements have you made?<\/strong><\/p>\n

These shall include:<\/p>\n