International photographic and imaging systems company Nikon has chosen industrial training specialists C&G Services to deliver training to its UK van drivers in safe driving and loading techniques.

Nikon UK is putting up to 60 drivers through the training initially. C&G has designed a tailor-made course covering defensive driving techniques, loading, load securing and fuel efficiency.  

The candidates include drivers from the engineering and sales & service sides of the company, most of them using estate cars or light vans up to 3.5 tonnes to carry out deliveries to photographic suppliers, hospitals, scientific and academic establishments and industry customers around the UK.

The training is being carried out mainly by logistics training specialist Steve French, with help from fellow instructor Heather Bradbury.

"It's particularly important to Nikon that their drivers use safe techniques because of the high value of the equipment they are carrying" said Technical Director Jon Young. "A single mistake could cost the company many thousands of pounds. For example, we're told that if you strap down a medical microscope wrongly, even through the packaging, it could create a pressure point which permanently compromises the accuracy of the instrument.

"We're confident the training is being well received - one of the candidates said it was one of the best courses he had been on in 25 years."