Certain measures are being taken by the management of Dangote Group to curb auto crashes and one of them is the installation of cameras across its fleet of thousands of CNG trucks.
The Head of Transport for Obajana Plant of Dangote Cement Plc, Mr Murilo Silva, informed journalists that the conglomerate is enforcing its zero tolerance for auto crashes.
He said this is one of the reasons the firm was collaborating with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) through the Dangote Articulated Trucks Drivers Training School (DATDTS) to implement stricter entry requirements for aspiring drivers.
According to him, those intending to drive the company’s trucks must be at least 23 years of age with a minimum of five years of relevant driving experience, in addition to holding a valid Class G driver’s license.
He explained that anyone seeking employment as a truck driver must undergo a thorough examination and screening process, which includes medical evaluations and drug testing.
Mr Silva said an applicant must have a clean criminal record, with no pending legal cases, adding, “The Dangote Cement Plc has a Policy on Drivers Employment processes that gives the criteria on DADTS processes of engaging new drivers especially mandatory 5 years of experience and compulsory a class G license.”
“The company currently has a full fledge Department for Health, Safety and Environment Assessment. It also conducts drugs and alcohol test, blood pressure test, confirms drivers fit for trips and others before making trips,” he added, noting the cement company has instituted certain measures to curb auto crashes.
According to him, drivers’ participation in the company’s monthly training programme has grown by 60 per cent this year, with drug and alcohol testing up by 40 per cent, while pre-trip inspections have recorded an impressive 74 per cent increase.
Also, the Divisional Head of Transport at DCP Obajana, Mr Hemant Rana, disclosed that the company has established a multi-million-naira Pre-Trip Inspection Bay, staffed with engineers and mechanics, to ensure thorough inspection of trucks before they embark on journeys.
“We have built a Drivers Rest House for Drivers to rest after making trips and before embarking on new trips. We have developed a monitoring system of our drivers that helps them do their jobs safely. We have Drivers Help Desk Units that follow up with drivers’ situations while on trips. We also have a Control Department that follows up with drivers’ behaviour while on trips,” he stated.