A Fakenham-based distribution company has introduced a new tool to manage and monitor health and safety.

Jack Richards and Son, a member of Palletways, a pan-European pallet freight express delivery network, has installed a risk-management system.

It is designed to promote safe working practices and minimise the occurrence and potential severity of accidents and incidents in the work-place and has been labelled a first for the pallet network industry.

Key features include risk assess-ment tools, access to a comprehen-sive risk assessment library and industry best practice.

Tim Bentley, health and safety support manager for members in the Palletways UK network, including Jack Richards and Son, said: "The risk management system is designed to standardise the management and improve the standards of health and safety across our national network, which comprises 100-plus member companies, all independent transport businesses with local knowledge and expertise, who provide a range of express delivery services including next day, economy and timed delivery options.

Following a successful trial, the system is now live across the Palletways UK network.