Understanding CLOCS and the importance it holds in construction

Construction Logistics and Community Safety (CLOCS) is a national standard in the UK construction industry, promoting greater safety procedures and environmental initiatives.

This blog will examine the essence of CLOCS, its primary goals, and why compliance is especially crucial in construction. Additionally, we will explore the pivotal role that software plays in assisting businesses to attain and retain CLOCS-level compliance.

What is CLOCS?

CLOCS, launched in 2013, is an industry-led initiative focused on mitigating the risk of collisions between construction vehicles and vulnerable road users. Addressing the distinctive challenges of construction logistics, CLOCS emphasises collaboration among key stakeholders in construction and logistics to elevate safety standards. The framework is set with aims to reduce contributing air pollution from construction, reduce the industries and operator’s reputational risk, and as mentioned, reduce collision numbers. This is the CLOCS Standard.

The CLOCS standard requires input and ownership from all involved within the construction project, including operators supplying vehicles. Different responsibilities are held dependent on roles from key stakeholders within the project:

Why is CLOCS Important?

Given the inherent risks associated with the movement of heavy vehicles in the construction industry, CLOCS plays a crucial to protect to both construction workers and the public.

According to CLOCS’ own website, it is estimated that over 5,500 people are killed or injured every year in collisions on Britain’s roads with vehicles commonplace in construction – that equates to 20 people every working day. It is clear why the main goal of CLOCS is to eradicate such a high number.

By adopting CLOCS, companies contribute to a collective effort towards a culture of safety to make roads safer and minimise the impact of construction activities on local communities. As an example, CLOCS’s impact in a London borough led to a remarkable 47% drop in fatal and serious collisions between HGVs and road users within two years of incorporating CLOCS into planning and procurement policies. This success underscores the initiative’s potential when embraced appropriately.

The connection and difference between CLOCS and FORS

Both initiatives are complimentary of each other, in fact achieving a Silver FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) accreditation automatically means operators achieve a CLOCS certification. Both focus on key areas such as compliance, efficiency and safety, however there is a distinction between them.

“While there is a similarity, there is both a distinct difference and a crucial connection,” as explained by Glen Davies, CILT Senior Associate and FORS Technical Adviser, “CLOCS is a set of road safety requirements the construction client expects within the supply chain – FORS is a quality standard for fleet operations that is recognised by the client.”

In 2023, CLOCS and FORS strengthened their collaboration with CLOCS becoming a FORS strategic partner, emphasising their shared commitment to industry best practices.

How a TMS Can Help Businesses Become CLOCS Compliant

Software alone can’t make businesses compliant but adopting and using it in the right way can help them on their way. A Transport Management Software (TMS) helps transport and logistics operators to manage and co-ordinate their business processes more efficiently.

Let’s see how TMS software facilitates some of the main goals set out by CLOCS:

Reduce air pollution: By improving the efficiency with route planning, it inherently reduces the empty running within the logistics, and consequently avoidable emissions.

Enhance health and safety: Ensuring communication of the latest company procedures and documentation to employees is essential, and using methods like Mandata’s Team Admin app, it is easy to do. Operators can send training, compliance rules, health & safety documents and much more to staff, seeing who has opened, read and acknowledged the information.

Improve efficiency: A TMS system provides greater visibility over the load utilisation of the fleet, helping to reduce the number of part-filled vehicles where possible, making the most out of every vehicle on the road.

Reduce reputational risk: Using a TMS helps improve customer service by providing real-time information such as ETAs, access to their POD documents, and live job status updates. A TMS can also help businesses improve their reputation by improving their OTIF score.

Read more: Mandata helping logistics operators with their OTIF score.

For more information on the benefits of a TMS, download the Mandata TMS Buyer’s Guide for more insight.

To apply for CLOCS, find out more information via their website.