Supporting the industry after traumatic incidents: CILT launches ‘Back on the Road’ guide

On 5 February 2026, the CILT Transport & Logistics Safety Forum launched a new industry guide aimed at helping organisations respond to traumatic incidents.

Titled Back on the Road, the publication was introduced at the forum’s annual conference, where safety professionals, operators and industry leaders gathered to discuss one of the most difficult realities within transport and logistics.

Anyone who has worked in transport long enough understands that incidents can happen despite strong safety procedures and training. When they do, the impact often reaches far beyond the scene itself, affecting drivers, warehouse colleagues, managers, witnesses and families.

The new guide has been developed to help organisations respond in those moments.

 

Practical guidance for the sector

Back on the Road provides practical advice for those dealing with traumatic incidents such as fatal road collisions, serious workplace accidents or suicides.

Rather than focusing on investigations or procedures, the guidance centres on the people affected. It outlines what organisations should consider in the immediate aftermath of an incident and how support can be provided in the days and weeks that follow.

The document also recognises that individuals respond to trauma in different ways. For some, the effects are immediate, while others may only begin to feel the impact later.

For many in the industry, situations like these may only occur once in a career, if at all. But for those involved, the experience can stay with them long after the event itself.

 

Learning from real experiences

The guide includes accounts based on real events experienced across the sector. Drivers, warehouse colleagues and managers describe incidents they have faced and the support that helped them through the aftermath.

These experiences highlight how small actions can make a significant difference. Ensuring someone is not left alone, providing time away from duty, or simply listening without judgement can all help colleagues begin to process what has happened.

The publication also recognises that the emotional impact of an incident is not limited to those directly involved. Managers, colleagues and even those who take the first phone call may also need support.

 

An industry effort

The guide has been created by the CILT Transport & Logistics Safety Forum Committee, drawing on experience from across the transport and logistics sector, as well as their own.

Karen Crispe, Commercial Director at Convey Technology, has been a member of the committee for many years and her involvement reflects Convey’s ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives that promote safety and wellbeing across the sector.

The forum hopes the guide will encourage organisations to prepare for the possibility of traumatic incidents and ensure that the right support is in place when it is needed.

 

Preparing for difficult situations

For most operators, these are situations they hope never to face. But being prepared can make a significant difference to how colleagues are supported if an incident does occur.

Resources such as Back on the Road provide practical guidance for operators, managers and safety professionals responsible for supporting teams across transport operations.

The guide is available to download via CILT.

Download the guide: https://ciltuk.org.uk/news/202602/cilt-uk-publishes-guide-to-help-transport-sector-respond-with-care-after-tragedy/