Van checks

[ProdigalPostie]

The gaffers at my place seem to be "on one" re. van checks at the mo.

Just wondering what the sanction is for not doing them, because a lot where I work are lax to say the least.

[Numberone63]

It’s a legal requirement. So they can put you through the disciplinary procedure and ultimately fire you. It’s just easier to do the check then everyone is covered.

[heraldmoth]

I’d be very wary, failure to do it may be conduct then removed from driving

[exetererica]

.

[heraldmoth]

Not sure that will stand up

[PDAHappy]

A van check shows that you ( as the driver) have carried out the necessary daily and weekly checks to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy.Just as you would with your own vehicle.So if you have accident and the van you are driving is found be defective by the police, they YOU will be held liable as you signed that the vehicle was roadworthy.NB Just because your RM doesn’t give you a get out of with the police.
The manager back in the days of the paper logbooks was supposed to a) Watch a set number of van checks being carried each week and countersign in the logbook b) Check a set number of logbooks to make sure all the necessary checks have taken place.I’m guessing now it’s the PDA version they’ll get a report from the H&S team showing compliance for the D.O. hence the interest in van checks.
It could be that someone has been spotted driving without a seat belt or another D.O. has had an accident and when the accident was investigated the PDA compliance wasn’t as good as it could have been.

[VeteranBitterPostie]

Please for the love of God, do your van check. If you don't do it and are pulled over or involved in an accident and it's found that your van was not road worthy (illegal Tyres etc) it will more then likely be that you're fired and potentially fines or Prison for serious cases/crashes.

Do as instructed, report any faults and refuse to take a unroadworthy van out. Don't be pressuerd. Its your license, job and freedom on the line and the managers will hang you out to dry 100%.

Unsure how to do it? Ask around, some one in your office should know. Or a quick google. Ignorance is not a defence i'm afraid.

[yellowbelly]

The gaffers at my place seem to be "on one" re. van checks at the mo.

Just wondering what the sanction is for not doing them, because a lot where I work are lax to say the least.

It's probably one of their KPI's (bonus related?) as well as the H&S angle. Don't worry about mail failing though!

[ArchieG]

Just to add: last week I worked with someone for the first time who started about a year ago. She was doing the van check and I commented (without any judgement) on how quickly she did it. She said that she was told to simply tick everything. She laughed and said she honestly couldn't say what any of the checks actually are.

[pieoftheday]

Please for the love of God, do your van check. If you don't do it and are pulled over or involved in an accident and it's found that your van was not road worthy (illegal Tyres etc) it will more then likely be that you're fired and potentially fines or Prison for serious cases/crashes.

Do as instructed, report any faults and refuse to take a unroadworthy van out. Don't be pressuerd. Its your license, job and freedom on the line and the managers will hang you out to dry 100%.

Unsure how to do it? Ask around, some one in your office should know. Or a quick google. Ignorance is not a defence i'm afraid.

Exactly, management dont seem to emphasise that it's the drivers license at risk if you dont do it properly!

[HTPostman]

Just to add: last week I worked with someone for the first time who started about a year ago. She was doing the van check and I commented (without any judgement) on how quickly she did it. She said that she was told to simply tick everything. She laughed and said she honestly couldn't say what any of the checks actually are.

I had to help someone who didn’t know where the lever was to open the bonnet. This was a guy with 40 years service and in his ‘own’ duty van that he’s had for at least 5 years. Shocking.

[Beanyjazz]

At Oldham we've had about 20 people sent home/suspended for a week for not doing them. Managers been caught not doing them and agency don't, but that's ok.

[Phelim21]

On a side note we are continually been giving vans that have a list of problems ie gear stick has to be pushed hard to get into gear , only one door working at the side/back of van , one van is literally held together by cable ties around the bumper and bonnet and doors that u have to lift up to close them. We've been told we a have no other choice as they are waiting for hire vans. Wanted to see if it's like this in other offices.

[VeteranBitterPostie]

On a side note we are continually been giving vans that have a list of problems ie gear stick has to be pushed hard to get into gear , only one door working at the side/back of van , one van is literally held together by cable ties around the bumper and bonnet and doors that u have to lift up to close them. We've been told we a have no other choice as they are waiting for hire vans. Wanted to see if it's like this in other offices.

Ah yes the classic van with one working door, one set of keys for 2 people, held together with gaffer tape (no pun intended). I think some vans have more seniority then most of the posties. Yeah if it's technically road legal they'll run it. Yours is not the only office believe me.

[postieblueshirt]

Wonder if halfords would be happy doing our M.O.T.s