A new white paper that can help fleets manage driver wellbeing and safety post-pandemic is now available from the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP).

The AFP has warned that drivers who have been furloughed or homeworking may need breaking back into driving in a safe and structured fashion

Published to provide essential ideas and discussions that can be applied to each employer’s individual situation, the ‘Return to Work: Back Behind the Wheel’ guidance has been put together by the industry body’s Risk, Compliance and Health Committee and applies ideas and observations from across its membership.

The paper provides guidance on two particular risk management issues identified by the association and its members.

Chair Paul Hollick explained: “We’re seeing two sets of potential risk problems emerging. One is drivers who have worked in frontline services and industries such as parcel delivery who have been placed under huge pressure during the pandemic.

“The other is people who have been placed on furlough or who have been home working and have covered many fewer miles in the last year than previously. These people may need breaking back into driving in a safe and structured fashion.”

He added: “Our new white paper is designed to provide advice on what fleet managers need to do to promote driver wellbeing and therefore safety at this important moment in time, drawing on expertise from across our organisation.”

Earlier this year, FleetCheck warned that the pandemic had brought an impact on mental health and that fleets should be aware of potential safety risks to drivers.

And in a webinar in June, the AFP said that making sure that risks are better understood and managed would be an ongoing part of vehicle management. Speaking at the session, Duncan Webb, head of fleet at facility services provider ISS, said: “The direct effects on how fleets are operated will last at least another 12 months, with the impact working its way through the industry.”

Copies of the AFP’s ‘Return to Work: Back Behind the Wheel’ white paper are available through the association’s website or by emailing [email protected].