Sussex Transport Strengthens Community Links by Hosting Emergency Services LGV Training

Sussex Transport recently demonstrated its strong commitment to community partnership and safety by hosting a specialist LGV Appreciation Day for the West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service at its headquarters on Lancing Business Park.

The event was designed to help emergency personnel better understand the size, weight and structural challenges of Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs), which can be involved in complex roadside incidents. By opening its doors and fleet to the emergency services, Sussex Transport provided a realistic, hands-on environment that few training sites can match.

Across the day, participants rotated through three practical exercises using an articulated truck, a 'HAIB' crane lorry, and a 26-tonne curtainsider fitted with a Moffett forklift. The sessions covered topics such as danger areas around different LGVs, accessing a driver in distress, managing trapped-casualty situations, and stabilising or raising heavy vehicles safely with airbags and lifting gear.

“We were delighted to welcome both teams to our site,” said Andy Packham, Lifting & Training Manager at Sussex Transport.

“It was fantastic to see our working vehicles used to help train the people who respond to emergencies involving trucks like ours every day. Collaboration like this benefits everyone; the emergency services, the haulage industry, and the wider community.”

Managing Director Damian Pulford added that initiatives like this reflect Sussex Transport’s wider Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals:

“As a long-established local employer, we see value in sharing our knowledge and facilities whenever we can. This event perfectly illustrates how business and public services can work together for the good of the region.”

As well as operating a busy haulage and lifting fleet, Sussex Transport runs a dedicated Training Division delivering a wide range of safety and compliance training, including:

1.       Vehicle Marshalling Training

2.       Lifting Training (Appointed Person, Lorry Loader, Crane Lift Supervisor, Slinger Signaller, Overhead Gantry Crane, Marine Knuckle Boom Crane, Mobile Crane)

3.       Materials Handling Training (Forklift / Counterbalance, Telescopic Handler)

4.       Working at Height Training (Working at Height, Harness and Fall Arrest, MEWP Boom and Scissor, Safe Use of Ladders)

5.       Industrial Training Courses (Abrasive Wheels, Emergency First Aid at Work, Fire Marshall / Warden, Manual Handling)

Over the years, Sussex Transport has also supported other emergency services organisations, including the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS), further underlining its commitment to community safety.

Local businesses are encouraged to get in touch with Sussex Transport’s Training Division if they have a safety concern, a training requirement, or any construction-related training enquiry and would like advice or support.  Visit https://www.sussextransport.com/training/ for further information