22 Jul 2021

Two members of the Hardstaff Barriers transport team have been recognized for their commitment to fleet safety and efficiency.

Wes Baker, Fleet, and Operational Support Manager, and Natalie Wright, Fleet, and Logistics Coordinator, have both been awarded Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) Practitioner Status.

10 intensive workshops

As manufacturer and supplier of concrete and steel safety barriers, Hardstaff supported the pair as they completed 10 intensive workshops focusing on fleet safety, efficiency, and environmental protection.

Topics included work-related road risk, driver fitness, and health, driver training and development, safe and efficient fleet management, reducing fuel, minimizing environmental impacts, and monitoring road fleet performance.

FORS Gold status

Hardstaff Barriers has held FORS Gold status – the highest level that can be reached since 2019

As a responsible fleet operator with high standards, Hardstaff Barriers has held FORS Gold status – the highest level that can be reached since 2019. Day-to-day, Wes and Natalie, along with colleague Stuart Edson, are responsible for managing drivers, maintaining the Hardstaff Barriers fleet, and associated compliance, including the FORS Gold standard. 

FORS is a voluntary accreditation scheme that promotes best practices for commercial vehicle operators, and Gold is only awarded to exceptional operators who have met exacting targets. 

FORS Practitioner Workshops

Speaking about his FORS Practitioner Status, Wes Baker said, “Having served a Heavy Goods Vehicle Apprenticeship in the 1970s, and being involved with HGV repairs, driving HGVs and fleet management ever since, you would like to think you have the knowledge and experience to run a safe and efficient transport operation.”

However, the ‘FORS Practitioner Workshops’ course provided me with an overall refresher to all aspects of operating a compliant, safe, and efficient fleet, offering management tools to assist along the way. Being responsible for Operating at ‘FORS Gold standard,’ I found this certification gives me the foundation to maintain the standard.”