PHARMACEUTICAL giant Pfizer is putting 2,000 company car drivers through a risk assessment and driver training programme in a bid to achieve an accident-free fleet.

It is launching a three-year driver training programme that has been specifically designed for the company and will include 1,200 high-mileage sales staff.

Pfizer director – projects Richard Crow said: 'It is the responsibility of all good employers to ensure that employees are well trained in all aspects and tools of their trade – the use of a car is no different. To do so demonstrates the Pfizer core values, respect for staff, other road users and the environment.

'A comprehensive risk assessment and driver training programme saves lives, reduces injury and makes business sense, particularly if it is an integral part of a process that includes best practice fleet management, accident management and investigation and a clear focus on risk reduction.'

The firm has awarded driver training company DriveTech (UK) the three-year contract and Crow said the company aimed to have zero incidents across the fleet.

He added: 'That is a major challenge both for DriveTech and ourselves but we want to move into a higher gear as far as risk management is concerned because of the numerous benefits it offers the business and our employees. We are working towards a zero incident culture.'

DriveTech chief executive Graham Griffiths added: 'Pfizer's decision to fully embrace every facet of fleet risk management puts the company at the leading edge of industry thinking.'

The DriveTech programme includes the creation of an audit trail on each company car driver and their vehicle will go through an assessment, then all company car drivers will be assessed using a CD-Rom driver assessment and training aid.

Further targeted training is then provided for drivers who are deemed to be at risk.