Recognising that driving is one of the high risk activities employees undertake on a regular basis, MidCoast Water is offering staff defensive driving courses.
The courses provide driving skills and increased road safety awareness.
MidCoast Water is a community water authority, providing water and sewerage services on the New South Wales mid north coast.
The driving program was introduced to help staff members who spend a considerable amount of time on the road to be more prepared when faced with an emergency situation.
MidCoast Water Corporate Development Manager, David Nixon, said with a service area of 7,000 square kilometres, staff are constantly on the road, and in some cases travelling long distances.
“MidCoast Water recognised that many of our employees are required to drive considerable distances to perform their work and the risk of road accidents is ever present,” he said.
The courses are held approximately every six months, to allow all staff to participate in the program.
While it is not compulsory, all staff members are strongly encouraged to take part, especially those who have accidents in their driving history.
David Nixon said the one day training course combines theory and practical components, providing the opportunity for feedback and correction while driving work vehicles.
“Developed in conjunction with a professional driving trainer, the course covers areas such as driver behaviour, safe travelling distances, steering, braking, avoidance and braking on wet roads,” David Nixon said.
“The course also looks at load restraint, as well as correct tyre inflation pressures and how to assess tyre wear.”
Staff undertake practical exercises in their work vehicle, to enable them to develop the handling skills they require while driving as part of their employment.
For further information contact David Nixon on (02) 6591 7504.
