FLEET SAFETY
BY: SCOTT MCINERNEY STERLING INSURANCE
The Basics Of Fleet Safety
When it comes to claims for businesses, especially injury claims, fleet vehicle incidents are often somewhere near the top of the list. In fact, according to fact sheets released by the National Safety Council, the average cost of losses relating to vehicle accidents was close to $ 70,000. That number is nearly double the average cost of a workplace injury. Without taking fleet safety into account, you not only risk your employees’ welfare but also the welfare of your company as a whole. While a normal safety program will do more for you than having nothing will, it is more efficient and cost effective to design a formal fleet safety program.
With a fleet safety program in place, the procedures and policies required to ensure a safe working environment for drivers will be in place. Additionally, liabilities from vehicle accidents can be, at least partially, alleviated. When it comes to driving, unpredictability is king. The road is a dangerous place, and there is really no way to tell whether an accident will or will not occur. With that in mind, a fleet safety program can help alleviate some potential risks.
Here are some things to consider when developing your fleet safety program:
• types of training techniques— some are more efficient than others
• push defensive driving techniques as a standard
• implement safety programs for drivers
• discourage cell-phone use while driving
• encourage drivers to always use seat belts and respect traffic laws such as speed limits and signage
• avoid driving in dangerous conditions
• encourage the use of the parking brake any time the vehicle is left unattended
• formalize vehicle inspection, repair, and maintenance
• understand how to manage accidents and claims if they occur
Once a plan has been established, that doesn’ t end everything. A regular commitment should be made to screen, test, inspect, and train in accordance with the plan. The safety culture that you develop should also be ensured to filter down to the people who will actually be doing the driving. After all, a plan won’ t help anyone if nobody knows what the plan is to begin with.
At Sterling, we utilize our Risk Path Process
to get an in-depth assessment of our clients’ risks and needs. This allows us to learn about and uncover concerns they may have in order to better address them. Part of that process is helping clients implement and enhance programs, including fleet safety and driver training programs. Our goal is to help make companies better tomorrow than they are today and to minimize claims.
Don’ t let your safety go unnoticed. Keep your drivers safe, and make sure they have what they need to be successful on the road. For more information and help implementing your own fleet safety program, contact Scott at 586-685-0134 or via email at smcinerney @ sterlingagency. com. +
Scott McInerney has been in the Insurance Industry for just over 15 years. His primary focus is on providing Risk Management strategies to clients within the Manufacturing, Construction, Human Services, and Marina sectors. Scott is a Certified Risk Architect as well as a Certified Authority on Workers Compensation. Scott loves working with clients to improve their Risk Profiles while providing the proper coverage to protect all aspects of their business. Contact him at smcinerney @ sterlingagency or( 586) 685-0134.
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