There are many different avenues to take in order to improve employee safety on the roadway. Simply telling employees to ‘drive safely’ does not cut it. How is your company working to improve motor fleet safety? Oftentimes, the line is drawn at actually operating the motor vehicle. However, what about maintenance? Emergency supplies? Training? There are many aspects of motor fleet safety, make sure every box is checked.
The National Safety Council has compiled 9 Essential Elements of driving safety. These elements cover a variety of ways to improve motor-fleet safety. It is recommended at all nine elements be applied, as this would ensure the highest level of safety. However, at the very least, employers should assess the current motor fleet safety program and apply the elements that are lacking. Here is a quick overview of a few of the 9 elements.
The Fleet
First and foremost, what does a motor fleet actually consist of? There will be a range of vehicle makes and models for every company and job type. However, think outside of the box. Are there are tractors used for company property? What about all terrain vehicles; such as a four-wheeler? Even push mowers, snow-blowers, and other self-propelled machines can be considered part of the fleet. So, before you devise a new safety plan, make sure all components of the motor fleet are identified and taken into account.
The National Safety Council has compiled 9 Essential Elements of driving safety. These elements cover a variety of ways to improve motor-fleet safety. It is recommended at all nine elements be applied, as this would ensure the highest level of safety. However, at the very least, employers should assess the current motor fleet safety program and apply the elements that are lacking.
Record Keeping and Assessing Data
One of the most important elements to safety is recording and maintaining motor-fleet information. Accurate record keeping is absolutely vital to improving workplace safety. In the realm of motor-fleet safety record keeping applies to many different areas. Combined, these records can help employers asses high-risk areas, employees, or roadways. Finding trends in data regarding weather patterns and accidents, speed limits, and road types can all help reduce future accidents.
The goal should be to synthesize and blend the records from a variety of departments. The different departments within the company will keep different records. When it comes to improving safety everyone needs to be on the same page. Assessing all of the data and records together can uncover unseen safety hazards, or expose potential risks.
Who’s behind the wheel?
No one has more control on driver safety than drivers themselves. There are many ways employers can improve driver safety. First and foremost, accurate and up-to-date driving records should be taken seriously. However, improving safety doesn’t stop there. Employers need to hold drivers accountable, and clearly explain what is expected of drivers. Then, accurate and in-depth performance records should be kept in order to compare driver performance with the standard expectations.
In some cases, employers may find it extremely beneficial to incorporate extra training into their employee’s work time. Likewise, extra training can be required for employees who are performing below the company standard. These types of trainings may cover topics such as defensive driving, distracted driving, and driving awareness.
Set the Bar
Finally, goal setting is an integral component to any and every safety program. Prior to implementing a new program employers should determine what the current strengths and weaknesses are in regards to motor-fleet safety. Using data and information to determine areas of recurring weakness goes a long way in exposing target goals for a new safety program.
When trying to set goals, refer to the acronym ‘SMART’. When you set a goal it should be Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Setting a goal is pointless if it is too broad, not able to be counted or measured in some way, or simply completely out of reach. Additionally, there should be a time-frame constructed in which the goal must be reached. Setting SMART goals for your motor fleet safety is crucial to success.
There are many components of motor fleet safety. What’s the bottom line? Improving safety, on any level, takes teamwork. Employers need to emphasize the role each individual has to play in improving motor fleet safety. When everyone is on board, then changes are made.
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