The background
Fletcher Building Limited is one of the largest listed companies in New Zealand, where the safety of their people, customers and contractors is a core value.
Fletcher Building’s Distribution Division (Fletcher Distribution) holds market-leading retail positions in New Zealand.
Employing over 3,000 people across more than 130 branches and sites across New Zealand, its businesses include household names like PlaceMakers, PlaceMakers Frame & Truss and Mico Plumbing.
The challenge
A need to effectively manage risk associated with driving. Fletcher Distribution sought to improve the health and safety of its employees and highlighted driving as an increasing risk.
Fletcher Distribution faced the challenge of wanting to improve driver behaviour and reduce risks associated with driving. They realised that simply implementing telematics solutions in their fleet was only part of the answer to ensuring desired results. They wanted to find a training solution that would be effective. This led them to consider training from Fleetcoach.
Anthony Mitchell, Head of Environment, Health and Safety at Fletcher Distribution, says that driving wasn’t seen initially as a risk for the company until they lost an employee to a road fatality:
“Six years ago, driving wasn’t deemed a top risk, unlike fixed plant and mobile plant. The loss of a team member in a road fatality prompted reflection on the need to treat driving with the same seriousness as being struck by a piece of mobile equipment.”
How do you effectively manage the risks relating to driving? Utilising the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) to recommend vehicles and the implementation of telematics was a step forward for Fletcher Distribution. However, Mitchell says they recognised that this alone wouldn’t significantly improve risk for their employees and company. Cultivating a safety-oriented culture requires strategic thinking. How do you inspire individuals to approach driving with a different mindset, fostering a shift in attitudes and behaviours?
The offering
Cultivating a safety-oriented culture.
This was when the relationship between Fletcher Distribution and Fleetcoach began. Authentic training was key for Fletcher Distribution, steering away from a mere ‘tick-box’ approach. A mixed methodology incorporating both accessibility and geographical relevance has proved to be effective. The flexibility to access and revisit learning modules as needed has enabled Fletcher Distribution’s staff to receive a more tailored and comprehensive learning experience.
“Adopting a self-paced, self-directed approach changes the conversation, empowering individuals to take charge of their learning journey. This approach instils confidence, creating a more proactive and engaged approach to risk management,” says Mitchell.
Fleetcoach’s online driver training offers flexibility and a variety of relevant modules that are interactive and engaging for employees.
The result
An effective tool to lower risk and increase driver self-awareness.
Since partnering with Fleetcoach, Fletcher Distribution has seen a noticeable decrease in customer complaints relating to driving, from one every 2-3 weeks to occurring only once every six months.
Telemetry overspeed event occurrences have been reduced by 60%.
Incidents resulting in harm where the driver is at fault have reduced by an estimated 30% to 40%.
“Fleetcoach has been a great tool for managers to engage their staff in conversations that foster a culture of safety. Staff continually comment on how much their awareness of how they drive and their ability to spot hazards has improved” says Mitchell.
