Wincanton plays safe
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• Wincanton says it is the first distribution firm to win the British Standards Institution seal of approval, and to emphasise its commitment to safety, the company held a safety-first day at Thruxton motor racing circuit this week.
The event, attended by Roads and Traffic Minister Peter Bottomley (right), marked the launch of Wincanton's advanced HGV driver training scheme.
Theme of the day was safe driving at all levels. Guests had the chance to learn how to control a sliding car on a skid pan, drive an HGV tractor under expert guidance, and see advanced police driving techniques in action during a lightning tour on the A303.
Police displays showed the horrific consequences of motorway speeding and aimed to deter speeders by demonstrating the new Provida video detector system, now being used by the Metropolitan Police in unmarked cars.
To win the BSI BS5750 kitemark Wincanton's Purfleet depot had to meet stringent criteria including strict quality control procedures, highly organised documentation, management expertise and regular quality reviews.
Managing Director Chas Lawrence believes other distribution companies will have to follow Wincanton's lead if they want to attract business: "Obviously our move to a British Safety Standard will start a trend. Now we have achieved it our competitors will have to go for it too. "The BS5750 is an ideal way to prove to your customers that you offer what you say you offer." Steve Thomas, director and general manager of Wincanton's Midlands operation, argues that distributors will be led to the BS5750 by their clients. "Getting the mark was difficult, but customers like Ford and ICI want their distributors to reflect their own reputations. They are beginning to demand high safety standards."
BS5750 will retain its authority even after 1992 because it is internationally recognised. BS is the model for all European safety standards.