Interview with Gez Bonner National Training Manager

Kayleigh:

Gez, thank you so much for sitting down with me, I know that you're an extremely busy person.

Before we dive in, I wanted to give you and Valon massive congratulations, on your recent win at the Digital Construction Awards for Eco-Driver Training. Can you tell us more about it?

Gez:

We are extremely proud of the development of the Eco-Driver Training, launched 3 years ago for our customer, Skanska Costain STRABAG JV (Joint Venture). The training blends telematic data with advanced operator training to reduce machine idling and CO2 emissions.

My incredible team have travelled across the UK, delivering the training to our customers and operators on-site, and have successfully upskilled over 1000 operators to date.

The structure of the training encompasses a blend of knowledge-based and practical learning. Individuals learn from a wide range of theories, but just as importantly, we get the operators physically out to the machinery, enhancing their practical skills too. 

We recently launched a case study that demonstrated a reduction in fuel usage by 46% as a result of our training course. That is a huge reduction in carbon and fuel costs for our customers!

Kayleigh:

This is excellent Gez! What an incredible achievement for you and your team.

Now let’s talk about your new Rotating Seat Forward Tipping Dumper Training.

Gez:

This has been developed with SiteRight NOCN and the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA). The training aims to familiarise all operators with the correct and safe way to operate Dual View Dumpers. 

It was developed 3 years ago because there was no standard on how to operate Dual View Dumpers both correctly and safely. 

The launch is imminent, and we cannot wait to roll it out on sites up and down the UK.

Kayleigh:

We are really looking forward to the launch of this Gez! On top of all of this, you and your team are still continually holding your ‘Take 5 To stay Alive’ stand-down talks. Can you tell us more about these? 

Gez:

‘Take 5 to Stay Alive’ has become one of our mandatory toolbox talks to all our Lynch operators. It shows how taking just 5 minutes can ensure everyone gets home safely at the end of every shift.

The steps are:

• ALWAYS assess the safety of your task
• ALWAYS ask yourself these 5 questions:

1. TASK – Do I have the correct resources to carry out the work?
2. ACCESS – Do I have safe access to my work area?
3. KNOWLEDGE – Do I have all the necessary information I need to carry out my duties on a task sheet?
4. ENVIRONMENT – Is my work area safe and free from hazards?
5. 5AFE – Has nothing been changed? And can I complete my work safely today?

If the operator can answer ‘yes’ to all of these questions, they can begin their shift. If the answers are ‘no’, we empower the operator to speak to their supervisor or manager to explain the issues.