TRANSPORT companies are warned to be diligent with their recruitment, despite HGV driver shortage pressures.
Ascend Broking reminds HGV operators of their responsibility to ensure drivers are competent and have the required qualifications, whether that is CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) or European ADR agreement for the transport of dangerous goods by road.
Checks should be made with insurers and through new driver declarations, whether potential employees have any convictions or a poor accident record. Online licence checks should be made, to ensure permission to drive the required vehicles are in place.
Medical fitness should also be assessed. This should include an eye test, securing a medical declaration that shows the driver is fit to drive and conducting a drug and alcohol test.