FLEET SAFETY
The
5
Most Important
Fleet Safety
Management Tips
F
or many companies, their fleet of
vehicles is one of their most costly
expenses. In fact, the average cost
of a loss related to vehicle accidents
according to OSHA is around $70,000,
which is almost double the cost of an
average injury in the workplace. Companies
lacking formal fleet safety programs are
putting their company and employees
at risk, and even a general program is
better than not having one at all. Fleet
safety programs establish the policies and
procedures that shelter a fleet workplace
from injury and liability. There are five vital
aspects of a good fleet safety program:
1. TRAINING DILIGENTLY
All of your drivers need to be on the same
page and understand not only the vehicles,
but also your own safety procedures. Safe
driving strategies, techniques and defensive
driving information should be readily
available to them. Training programs
can also affect insurance premiums, so
implementing one can help employees and
save your company money.
2. HIRING CAREFULLY
Creating a team isn’t as simple as throwing
together a bunch of hires from a temp
agency. The selection of drivers is a
careful process. Not only should you vet
drivers based on their qualifications and
safety records, but you should also try to
find individuals who will fit in with your
company culture and the other employees
that they will be working with.
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3. ACCIDENT MANAGEMENT
Know exactly what needs to happen in
the event of an accident. This helps you
mitigate costs, understand exposures and
implement modifications to your program
to reduce potential repeat incidents. It also
gives your employees some peace of mind
so that, should an accident occur, they will
know what to do, whom to contact and
how to handle it.
4. FORMAL PLANNING
Expectations should be communicated
clearly to all employees and formally
written down. This helps maintain a
level playing field and keeps consistency
throughout your operation. Policies and
procedures need to be outlined not only
so that you will have a way to measure
performance, but also so that you have
a clear outline of how you operate in the
event of an incident. This will help you
identify any anomalies that may have
occurred.
5. MAINTENANCE
This may be one of the most important
aspects of your program, not only in
terms of the safety of your employees and
equipment, but also in terms of dollars
spent versus dollars saved. Having your
fleet maintained on a consistent basis
through regular inspection, repair and
general maintenance is crucial. It is
going to be much less expensive than
a sudden, unexpected breakdown on
the road or accidents stemming from
faulty equipment. It is very important to
keep formal records of all maintenance
performed.
When it comes to fleet safety management,
it can’t be rushed. With the auto
market hardening, it is critical to have a
formalized fleet safety program, especially
if your business is transportation heavy. +
BY: CONOR MORAN
CLCS ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
JGS INSURANCE
Conor Moran is a lifelong resident of
Monmouth County and graduate of
Christian Brothers Academy. Conor is
a graduate of the College of Charleston
with a degree in Business. Conor
prides himself on providing excellent
customer service ensuring his clients
receive the best insurance products
to suit their ever-changing needs.
Conor loves to travel and experience
new and different cultures. Closer
to home, Conor enjoys spending his
free time with his family and friends
at the beautiful Jersey Shore.