Wolseley has received a road safety award from HRH Prince Michael of Kent.

In the UK, Wolseley operates a fleet of around 5,000 vehicles, 2,000 of which are HGVs. Over the past two years the company has brought about a transformation in its accident record, reducing the number of incidents to an all-time low, which has also had the effect of reducing its insurance premiums.

Wolseley developed a model that highlighted the true cost to the business of accidents involving its vehicles, which resulted in the introduction of an innovative risk management programme across the company’s entire vehicle fleet.

Wolseley was highly commended for its systematic approach to reducing vehicle accidents by HRH Prince Michael of Kent at a gala presentation. Since 1987 the Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards have recognised achievements and innovations which will improve road safety. Each year the most outstanding examples of international road safety initiatives are given public recognition through the scheme.

Receiving the award, Wolseley UK’s head of health, safety and environment Paul Gallemore said: ”Quite apart from the human costs and disruption to the business, road accidents have a significant impact on financial results. Wolseley has demonstrated that, with a robust and systematic approach, significant progress can be made in improving the standard of fleet safety.