While our health and safety metrics were improving post-COVID-19, we were starting to see occurrences of low-level vehicle damage increasing, mainly attributable to slow-speed manoeuvring and low-impact traffic accidents. Those are small indicators of potentially bigger dangers, and we needed to read the signs and react differently.
I have always been an admirer of the management philosophies of Sir Clive Woodward and the work that he did with the 2003 England Rugby World Cup-winning squad. Taking inspiration from that, I wanted to think differently about the training we give to drivers. I hoped to bring some of the innovations from that triumphant squad to them.
Reflecting on Sir Clive’s theory of “marginal gains,” and learning about Dr Sherylle Calder, a world renowned sports scientist from South Africa who helped Sir Clive, I began the journey of bringing EyeGym to Howdens.
The work of Dr Calder was offering something different: A proven theory with numerous pedigree testimonials, bringing an innovation not yet used in the UK for LGV drivers.
Over 90% of the information required for driving enters through the eyes, and does so at the same speed regardless of activity.
The most successful athletes in their chosen fields react quicker. That is a fundamental reason why they excel.
Could our drivers be trained to notice more and give them the ability to react a split second sooner (the marginal gain), which could prevent or reduce the impact of a serious accident?
EyeGym trains the eyes and brain to convert incoming information quicker, which results in a quicker output.
We launched a pilot training programme in June 2022, where several of our drivers, managers and other staff were given access to the EyeGym platform. After the six-week trial, the objective of improving reaction times and winning the hearts and minds of the group with this unique training was very clear, and we absolutely saw the benefits of moving onto the next phase.
In November 2022, we invited Dr Calder to join us in Raunds, Northamptonshire, along with 130 drivers from two sites that were introduced to the science, the concept and the initial test by myself and Dr Calder.
The reaction in the room when drivers saw how much slower their reactions were compared to work professionals and elite athletes was, literally, eye-opening. Competitiveness was clear to see, and all drivers left the sessions understanding the benefits of quicker reactions to their safety and wellbeing, and improving their ability to make better decisions when under pressure.
We have incorporated EyeGym into the regular training package that our drivers receive, with all of them getting a company-paid subscription to the scheme. We plan opportunities for training, and allow drivers to have a session before or after their shifts, or by logging on at home.
We have been really encouraged by the number of drivers logging in from home in their own time to run an EyeGym session, and knowing that we have got drivers completing training at home that is going to improve their everyday performance is wonderful.
We can see from their results that reaction times have improved. Although it has only been a short amount of time, we are showing encouraging signs when it comes to our accident rates. At Howdens, we want our employees to go home safely every day, and to give them something more than the usual.
Gareth Sterland is Head of Transport at Howdens Joinery. He has a long career in road transport management, including in the retail, contract, and fuel sectors.
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