Addressing road safety in the RMC sector

In response to the pressing need for improved road safety in the UK ready-mixed concrete sector, EMPI Awards is urging for more innovative training solutions aimed at preventing mixer rollovers and increasing driver competence. 

The rise of incidents in recent years has underscored the urgency of addressing road safety within the ready-mixed concrete sector. According to EMPI Awards, despite clear legal responsibilities for companies and vehicle operators to ensure drivers are qualified, trained, and competent, there are obvious shortcomings in training currently available for drivers, resulting in continued mixer truck rollovers.

EMPI Awards recognise the need for a more comprehensive approach to ensuring drivers' competence and advocating for practical, regulated solutions. The EMPI Awards’ Site Vehicle Competence Assessment (SVCA) and MixerSURE training programme have been developed to address these shortcomings and provide effective training solutions tailored specifically for mixer truck drivers.

The inclusion of SVCA (On-Road) (Mixers) offers a practical, regulated qualification that evaluates drivers' knowledge and skills applied to real-time job roles in real working environments. Unlike traditional training approaches, based on taught courses, the SVCA (On-Road) (Mixers) focuses on demonstrated competence, ensuring drivers are equipped with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the unique challenges of the ready-mixed concrete industry safely.

The SVCA (On-Road) (Mixers) vocational qualification has received recognition from several organisations and regulatory bodies within the transport and logistics sector, including the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), Construction Logistics and Community Safety (CLOCS), and SQA Accreditation.

Commenting on the SVCA and MixerSURE training programme, EMPI Awards’ responsible officer, Gavin Brain, said: “We are committed to taking a proactive approach to road safety in the ready-mixed concrete sector. We aim to promote the adoption of comprehensive, practical training solutions that reduce accidents and improve driver competence. The sector is just the beginning, as we have several other categories for specialised transport vehicles in development.”

The launch of the SVCA and MixerSURE training programme represents a significant step forward in addressing road safety challenges in the delivery and supply of ready-mixed concrete. By prioritising competence over compliance and embracing innovative training solutions, EMPI Awards aim to drive meaningful change and pave the way for a safer, more secure future on UK roads.