Dangote Cement Implements Stricter Standards for Truck Driver Safety
- The Dangote Articulated Truck Drivers' Training School (DATDTS), in collaboration with the FRSC, is implementing stricter entry standards for truck drivers to promote road safety
- The company has also introduced cameras in its fleet, alongside mandatory screenings, medical assessments, and drug tests for all prospective drivers
- Dangote Cement Plc is committed to enhancing driver safety, with ongoing training, health assessments, and thorough vehicle inspections to reduce road accidents and ensure safe driving practices
Legit.ng journalist Zainab Iwayemi has 5-year-experience covering the Economy, Technology, and Capital Market.
The Dangote Articulated Truck Drivers' Training School (DATDTS), in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), is enforcing its zero-tolerance policy for car accidents by imposing more stringent entry standards for prospective drivers.
Source: Getty Images
The event coincides with Dangote Cement Plc's efforts to test and recertify all of its truck drivers at its Obajana facility in Kogi State.
The company has since started installing cameras throughout its fleet of thousands of CNG trucks as part of its efforts to promote safe driving and achieve zero road crashes, Mr. Murilo Silva, Head of Transport at Dangote Cement Plc, told reporters at the Obajana Plant.
He also disclosed that applicants must be at least 23 years old, have at least five years of relevant driving experience, and hold a valid Class G driver's license.
He said that everyone seeking employment as a truck driver must pass a thorough examination and screening process, which includes medical assessments and drug tests. Mr. Silva added that an applicant must have a clean criminal record, with no open legal matters.
He further explained:
“Dangote Cement Plc has a policy on driver employment processes that outlines the criteria for DATDTS processes in engaging new drivers, especially the mandatory five years of experience and a compulsory Class G license.”
According to him, “FRSC conducts, on a regular basis, certification and recertification training for drivers at the DATDTS Complex. The company currently has a full-fledged Department for Health, Safety, and Environment Assessment. It also conducts drug and alcohol tests, blood pressure tests, and confirms drivers are fit for trips, among other evaluations, before making trips.”
Mr. Silva mentioned that the cement industry has taken several steps to reduce car accidents. He claimed that this year has seen a 60% rise in drivers' involvement in the company's monthly training program, a 40% increase in drug and alcohol testing, and an astounding 74% increase in pre-trip inspections.
To guarantee that vehicles are thoroughly inspected before setting out on trips, DCP Obajana has set up a multi-million-naira Pre-Trip Inspection Bay, manned by engineers and mechanics, according to Mr. Hemant Rana, Divisional Head of Transport.
He said:
“We have built a Drivers' Rest House for drivers to rest after making trips and before embarking on new ones.”
Mr. Rana explained further:
“We have developed a monitoring system for 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 monitors drivers' behavior while on trips.”
According to Mr. Daniel Marcus Akuso, the manager of the Dangote Articulated Truck Drivers' Training School, the organisation is the first of its kind in Nigeria. He also mentioned that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is working with the school to implement its programs.
Mr. Akuso highlighted that the school offers a variety of courses, including Root Cause Analysis, DCT Administration Procedures, English, Mathematics, Defensive Driving, Truck Handling, Maintenance Technology, Civic Education, Health and Science, and Road Signs and Codes.
At least 1,500 Dangote Cement truck drivers have undergone rigorous screening procedures to determine their mental, psychological, and physical health for safe driving, according to Arvind Pathak, Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, who spoke to reporters in Lagos.
Source: UGC
He clarified that although the screening process is now required for drivers, it has to be more thorough due to the conditions on the nation's roadways.
“Every driver employed by Dangote Cement is required to undergo an extensive and rigorously structured recruitment process that includes: a valid Class G driver’s license, background verification of both the driver and their guarantors, comprehensive medical evaluation, including vision screening (eye test), blood pressure checks, BMI (body mass index), RBS (random blood sugar test), as well as drug and alcohol testing,” he said.
Phyna makes fresh demands from Dangote
Legit.ng reported that A video of BBNaija Season 8 winner Phyna and some Dangote officials has made headlines.
The issue concerning Phyna's sister’s health, after she was hit by a Dangote truck, continues to be a matter of public concern.
Several meetings have taken place, and Phyna has continued to stand firm, demanding that justice be served.
Source: Legit.ng
