The inaugural 2024 RTITB Safety Summit took place on 19th September. Industry-leading speakers gathered to discuss and explore topics that impact on safety and training for workplace transport operations. These included neurodiversity, unconscious bias, incident investigation, and more.
The RTITB Safety Summit focused on improving safety and compliance in MHE and road transport operations. As well as on ways to modernise training and retain talent. Professionals that attended included health and safety managers, compliance managers, HR managers, LGV/HGV and MHE Instructors, and operations managers.
Below are some of the key takeaways from the day that could help your company. And don’t miss out next time! Secure your place for 2025 now.
People matter in workplace transport operations
A common thread throughout the day was a focus on employees, drivers and operators. Particularly the importance of communication between leadership teams and operators. Plus, the impact of building trust, maintaining good relationships, and placing value on employee wellbeing.
It’s time to manage fatigue in MHE workplaces
There is a high incident potential in the materials handling logistics industry. And for any workplace transport operation. What’s more, workplace fatigue is a growing issue. Which has serious implications for safety, performance, and employee wellbeing.
Employers and employees can take steps like:
- Prioritising good sleep hygiene
- Well-thought-out scheduling to reduce shift fatigue
- Implementing robust risk assessments
- Exploring fatigue-detection tools (like wearable devices) that can be used to monitor employee alertness
During a session titled ‘Fatigue: An opportunity for health and safety improvements’, expert Clare Richardson of Gateway HSW also highlighted the critical role of fatigue management in safeguarding workplace safety and operational efficiency. She also explained how important it is to educate managers and workers on recognising and preventing fatigue.
Embracing neurodiversity brings big benefits
Do you have any neurodivergent employees in your workplace? Such as individuals with ADHD, Autism, or Dyslexia? In the past, neurodivergent individuals might be overlooked for some roles in a business. Or perhaps have felt like they shouldn’t bother applying for certain jobs. However, neurodiverse people can bring highly beneficial skills to the workplace. Such as creative thinking, enhanced problem-solving skills, and pattern recognition.
Jennifer Swain of Road to Logistics and Alice Kapaya of Mencap explained ways businesses can benefit from embracing neurodiversity. For instance, increased innovation, productivity, and overall employee wellbeing. Based on their experience, they shared ideas on how to tailor work environments to meet the strengths of neurodiverse team members including:
- Implementing specialised training
- Having flexible workspaces
- Coaching to help employees thrive.
This session reinforced the need for inclusive practices that value diverse thinking styles. And the importance of making reasonable adjustments to benefit both individuals and businesses.
Engaged employees help reduce incidents
Reducing workplace incidents is a key priority for many companies. But to make a difference, buy in is needed from different people company-wide.
Jonathan Monday provided insights from GXO based on its own incident reduction strategies. He explained that engaged workers can be encouraged to be proactive in identifying hazards. And reporting unsafe conditions.
It starts with senior leaders. They should participate in safety discussions, setting a tone for safety at all levels. However, good communication and employee engagement is crucial. Effective employee involvement helps to build trust between senior leaders and their teams. Employees then feel comfortable addressing safety concerns. Without fear of repercussions.
He also explained how using incident data and analytics can help employers continuously improve safety practices. And reduce risks.
Leadership enhances safety operations
The ideas that safety culture in a business is the responsibility of the leadership team was further backed in in a session by Sarah Booth of Martin Brower.
Consistent, clear messaging about safety priorities from the top down ensures everyone understands the importance. Encouraging collaboration between leadership and operational staff can help to improve safety practices. Companies that embed safety into their core values see more effective safety outcomes.
Sarah connected leadership with operational safety improvements. Showing that effective leadership is the foundation to building and maintaining a strong safety culture. The biggest takeaway? Managers must lead by example.
Uncovering the cause is key to incident investigations
Legal compliance is important during incident investigations. An investigation team should adhere to legal guidelines, such as proper documentation, evidence preservation, and unbiased reporting.
However, as Marta Tomlinson of Kennedys Law explained, companies should not only focus on identifying the immediate cause of an incident. It is vital to delve deeper to uncover underlying issues that contribute to incidents to prevent future similar issues.
Her expert advice? Employees, managers, and third parties (when necessary) should be part of the investigation process. That’s because thorough, well-documented investigations are vital to preventing reoccurrence. And maintaining legal and safety standards.
Tackling unconscious bias can help your company
Biases can affect decision-making. From hiring, to risk assessments. And how incidents are handled. Senior Business Advisor of Acas, Hannah Dickens, explored the role of unconscious bias in workplace safety. She discussed how addressing bias can lead to better safety and operational practices.
Implementing unconscious bias training helps workers and managers recognise and counteract bias in the workplace. Removing bias from safety decisions can also lead to fairer, more effective outcomes, contributing to improved overall workplace safety.
One way to remove unconscious bias in the workplace is to have a diverse workforce. This results in varied perspectives.
RTITB Safety Summit 2025
People are at the heart of our industry, so we must all work together to reduce incidents, and improve safety. We are sure that attendees at RTITB Safety Summit 2024 left feeling empowered to make positive changes in their own workplaces.
Whether you missed out this time or you’re keen to attend again, register your interest in the 2025 Safety Summit now. More industry leaders will gather to collaborate and share the latest insights about workplace transport and MHE safety and training. It is set to be an ideal way to learn new ideas for improving lift truck and LGV/HGV training and safety.
Fill in your details now and you’ll be among the first to know when bookings are live so you can secure your place. And to book your space with special early bird offers.
Thanks once again to all our Safety Summit 2024 speakers for sharing their expertise and their time.
- Clare Richardson from Gateway HSW
- Jonathan Monday from GXO
- Marta Tomlinson from Kennedys Law
- Jennifer Swain from Road to Logistics
- Alice Kapaya from Mencap
- Sarah Booth from Martin Brower
- Hannah Dickens form Acas
Author: Jordan Dalziel, Partnerships and Marketing Manager, RTITB
As Partnerships and Marketing Manager, Jordan is driven by a passion for people and a commitment to safety. Dedicated to inspiring and supporting the development of those working in transport, warehousing, and logistics, she plays a key role in helping companies foster safer, more efficient working environments. Jordan thrives on building strategic partnerships and delivering innovative solutions that support the industry’s growth while prioritising safety at every step.
As a qualified Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (ACIM), Jordan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. She leads impactful, safety-centred campaigns, nurtures strong partnerships, and collaborates with key stakeholders to promote a culture of safety and success across the industry.
Find Jordan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-dalziel-acim-38358486/