The evolution of a motor carrier’s safety culture is a journey that involves transforming from mere compliance with regulations to a deep-rooted commitment to the well-being of all stakeholders. As the trucking industry continues to change, so does the need for motor carriers to evolve beyond compliance and instill a company culture that can adapt to these changes while still promoting safety at every level. So, how can a motor carrier make this transition? Read the stages of safety culture evolution below. Consider where your company currently sits and take action to move to where it needs to be.
COMPLIANCE AND REGULATION
Motor carriers in this stage of development often view safety and compliance as synonymous. It is a box to be checked, a set of regulations to be adhered to in order to avoid fines and penalties. At this stage, safety culture is primarily driven by regulatory requirements and is largely reactive. These companies focus on meeting minimum standards, ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy, and maintaining appropriate records.
AWARENESS AND EDUCATION
As a motor carrier matures, it recognizes the financial and reputational costs associated with vehicle accidents and workplace injuries. Safety training becomes more common as the motor carrier realizes that loss prevention is not only cost effective but also essential for maintaining a positive public image.
DATA-DRIVEN DECISION-MAKING
With advancements in technology, metrics and data-driven decision-making become key parts of doing business. Telematics systems, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and other tools provide real-time data on vehicle performance, driver behavior, and road conditions. This wealth of information enables companies to proactively identify safety risks, implement corrective measures, and refine their operations for greater safety.
INVOLVEMENT OF LEADERSHIP AND EMPLOYEES
An essential turning point in the evolution of a safety culture comes when leadership begins to take ownership of safety as a core value, not just a requirement. CEOs, managers, and other leaders realize that safety should be ingrained in the company’s mission and vision. This cultural shift means involving employees at all levels in safety initiatives, encouraging them to contribute their insights and suggestions for improvement.
ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT
An ideal safety culture goes beyond compliance and prevention. It is an enterprise-wide endeavor to protect the company as a whole, even after an incident occurs. Enterprise risk management involves a holistic examination of all the risks affecting the company and implementing controls to avoid or minimize losses.
CALL TO ACTION
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Ensure all regulatory compliance requirements are being met.
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Conduct regular safety training for all employees.
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Communicate the company's core values, mission, and vision to all employees.
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Conduct a company wide risk analysis and determine if appropriate controls are needed.
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.