Whistleblowing in transport and logistics  

The transport and logistics industries are no stranger to whistleblowing. In essential transportation industries such as aviation, railroads, and trucking, we depend on employees to blow the whistle on safety violations. 

Some of the most common forms of whistleblowing

include phone calls to helplines, internet reporting, and emailing. Whistleblowers, along with the information they provide, are usually treated with the strictest confidence.  Throughout the past year, transport and logistics firms in the UK have seen a 7% increase in whistleblowing reports. The issues reported have included HR-related claims (27.6%), bullying (17%) and health and safety breaches (15.3%). It is interesting to note that the percentage of health and safety related whistleblowing is almost three times higher than the UK average. 

The US has also had its share of whistleblowing in the transport and logistics industry

In July 2021, a Chicago-based company was ordered to pay compensation of almost $100,000 to a driver who reported a workplace injury and an unsafe vehicle. The U.S. Department of Labour Occupational Safety and Health Administration commended that worker for standing up for their rights and for reporting workplace hazards. 

Companies in transport and logistics need secure whistleblowing systems 

The benefits of a good whistleblowing system are wide-spread, and the transport industry is no exception. Ensuring worker safety should always be the main priority. A whistleblower service provides the opportunity to address and fix any equipment or vehicle problems before they escalate further.  

There is also a reputational risk to firms in all industries. A whistleblowing system is one way to minimize that risk. The EU Whistleblowing Directive (2019) states that companies with more than 50 employees must implement a proper internal reporting channel by December 2021. Other requirements include following up on reports and implementing penalties for anyone who obstructs reporting or retaliates against whistleblowers. Transport and logistics workers, who are often on the road or not in a traditional office setting, need access to reporting channels too. They can benefit significantly from an online whistleblowing system. 

The UK is no longer part of the EU

but trading companies may still be required to keep up with EU levels of employment protection. In short, everyone benefits from whistleblowing. Transportation and logistics firms can step up to ensure their workers confidently report any concerns without the fear of retaliation. 

Would you like to discuss a whistleblowing system for your organisation? Please contact us or book a free demo!