TTC Group is providing 4x4 and 3.5t tipper driver safety training to HS2 construction workers at EKFB.

EKFB, a joint venture between Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial and BAM, has been appointed by HS2 to deliver an 80km section of the route and has recruited staff, many of whom are driving for work.

TTC Group is providing EKFB drivers with Lantra accredited 4x4 driver training and bespoke 3.5t tipper training.

Matt Eastwood, fleet manager at EKFB, said “My role at EKFB on this exciting project is a busy one and keeping the fleet moving, well maintained, legally compliant and above all, the safety of the drivers, passengers and local community safe is one of my main priorities.

“I am a keen advocate of practical driver training and above all, the training needs to be high quality and effective, ‘off the shelf’ training doesn’t always achieve what we need so more bespoke training is required.

“For this reason, we went out to the market and engaged with TTC as we needed to ensure the safety of over 200 4x4 drivers and 20 3.5t tipper drivers. These vehicles fall under PUWER and as such we need to ensure our drivers know how to use the equipment safely and efficiently.”

Andy Wheeler, head of technical delivery at TTC Group, said: “EKFB wanted all their 4x4 drivers trained to the Lantra accredited standard and the combined full day of theory and safe off-road driving practices, has gone down exceptionally well with the drivers.

“Our feedback scores are 98% very satisfied or fairly satisfied that the training met their needs and 95% of drivers would recommend the course to others.

“As well as the off-road training, all drivers have undergone a half day on road training session looking at the different handling characteristics and safety implications out on the highway.”

In addition to the 4x4 training, EKFB wanted a bespoke course for their 3.5t tipper drivers.

Wheeler said: “We worked with Matt and the rest of the EKFB team, to identify the required learning outcomes, which were a lot more than just driving.

“Part of the preparation was to visit the site and vehicle to be used, as well as understanding the types of incidents the drivers encounter, such as overloading and driving a fully laden vehicle.

“In addition to this, the ongoing challenges around Covid-19, required additional training around EKFB policies and how to effectively sanitise the vehicle before, during and after use.

“Once we identified all the requirements, we created a two day course involving theory and practical hands on training, covering subjects such as weight and vehicle dimensions, securing loads efficiently, how to tip safely, how to be Covid secure and to experience driving a fully laden vehicle.

“The course concluded with a competency assessment, which each driver had to pass to complete the course.”