Safety initiatives can have a big impact on company performance if properly designed and implemented. Top of mind for motor carriers is preventing vehicle accidents and workplace injuries, but there are additional advantages to promoting safety throughout the organization. Below are five lesser-known ways safety can help improve company performance and help gain a competitive advantage.
PUBLIC IMAGE
Public perception can directly affect revenue. For example, a motor carrier with a clean record in the FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System will be more competitive for contracts versus other motor carriers who have histories of violations and crashes. Likewise, motor carriers in alert status are targets for increased roadside inspections, creating business interruptions that can cost their companies valuable time and money.
EMPLOYEE MORALE
Promoting safety sends a clear signal that the company cares about employee health and well-being. In turn, an emphasis on safety can boost employee morale and have a positive effect on hiring and retention. Decreasing turnover saves the company money in terms of the cost to replace and train replacements.Remind drivers to slow down in work zones and to yield the right of way to merging vehicles.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
When a high-performing employee is injured, a vacuum impacting customer service may occur as a result. A replacement worker must be recruited, hired, and trained properly. This takes time and could cost the company revenue if the customer takes its business elsewhere. Integrating safety into every employee’s role can help reduce the risk of a preventable loss and help avoid any disruptions or service errors affecting your customers..
MAINTENANCE
Preventive maintenance and pre-trip vehicle inspections are two loss prevention techniques that can help reduce the risk of costly roadside repairs and lengthy out-of-service orders. Conduct regular training with drivers so they know how to identify and report mechanical issues before each trip. Likewise, seek the input of all employees on safety initiatives. For example, mechanics may be able to provide keen insights on ways the company can reduce vehicle downtime and experience lower maintenance costs.
METRICS
Knowing where you are, where you were, and where you want to be in terms of company objectives relies heavily on accurate record keeping. An accident register, maintenance logs, and SMS are just a few data collection tools that can help a motor carrier evaluate its current performance and establish goals for improvement.
CALL TO ACTION
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Implement a preventive maintenance program.
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Ensure drivers conduct pre-trip vehicle inspections.
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Monitor SMS regularly to identify negative trends.
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Conduct an employee satisfaction survey to identify areas for improvement.
Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive
This material is intended to be a broad overview of the subject matter and is provided for informational purposes only. Joe Morten & Son, Inc. does not provide legal advice to its insureds or other parties, nor does it advise insureds or other parties on employment-related issues, therefore the subject matter is not intended to serve as legal or employment advice for any issue(s) that may arise in the operations of its insureds or other parties. Legal advice should always be sought from legal counsel. Joe Morten & Son, Inc. shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, action, or inaction alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the information contained herein. Reprinted with permission from Great West Casualty Company.