Leading London waste management company, O’Donovan Waste Disposal has successfully gained its Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) Gold accreditation for the fourth consecutive year; by demonstrating its commitment to improved safety and driver training.

O’Donovan Waste, one of the only few independent companies to hold the FORS Gold standard, continues to make significant investments in its business which have helped the company retain the prestigious FORS standard. A business wishing to attain, or retain a FORS standard must demonstrate and evidence a number of ongoing improvements to support the standard, which is based upon lawfulness, safety, efficiency, and environmental protection. O’Donovan has ensured it not only met the requirements, but has consistently exceeded the audit criteria.

In the last twelve months alone the business has invested in:

• a bespoke driver behaviour system for 85 of its fleet of vehicles to help improve driving techniques, efficiency and driver behaviours
• new lorries with advanced safety features designed specifically to provide added protection for vulnerable road users and to give drivers peace of mind
• launched its own Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) training which is delivered to its drivers and is available to the waste industry as a whole

'Being part of FORS has helped us continually improve our operations and investment in our fleet, as the information and support we receive is invaluable,' said Jacqueline O’Donovan, Managing Director. 'We are extremely proud to have achieved the Gold standard for the fourth year running and I believe this is a true demonstration of our commitment to improving our driver training strategy, reducing risk to vulnerable road users and focus on road safety and sustainable practices.'

To further support the company’s mission, Jacqueline O’Donovan has become a member of the newly formed FORS Governance and Standards Advisory Group (GSAG). The Group will lead and champion the direction of FORS to ensure the relevance of the standards and to ultimately guarantee the integrity of the scheme as it rolls out for operators across the UK.