"Discipline should be a part of the policy, but the last consequence," Emerick stated.
Implementing a disciplinary program can be tough, and the type of program will vary, based on circumstances such as union status and driver availability. Retraining scheduling should be driven by accident occurrences and frequency.
The goal of refresher training should be to keep drivers aware and refocused.
Avoid thick policy manuals with lots of cumbersome language. When developing a safety program, start with the written policy. Make sure to start by assessing processes are in place and whether they are working, Emerick suggested.
"How do they perform well how are they trained are they experienced? You're making sure they meet your model and meet your minimum standards."Ī driver selection and review policy should cover the prevention of negligent entrustment, valid driver's license (type & class) checks, MVRs on all new applicants, assessment of acceptable driving records, and a safety performance history check. "You should have standards set based upon models in your fleet and organization," Emerick advised.
Cover core components and ask yourself, "Am I putting the right person behind the wheel?" Remember, how you identify that individual is specific to your fleet and operation.
The next step in the process is driver selection and review. Ensure everyone has the appropriate knowledge level and provide an hours-of-service example. Include titles, locations, and process detail. When outlining program administration and accountability, clearly define who does what, when, and how. Whether I'm working safely or being judged by accident rates, etc., it should be monitored and graded to make sure accountability is accomplished," Emerick added. Everyone must be a part of the program - from executives down to the individual required to operate within the program. Next up is program administration and accountability. "Remember to relate your policy to your operations, exposures, and hazards," Emerick said. Vehicle safety equipment, inspection, and use.Accident reporting, investigation, and analysis.Driver discipline - rewards and consequences.He advises incorporating the following issues in writing policy: "If the task mandated by the policy is followed, then you'll have safety covered and also meet regulatory policies," Emerick said.
Program administration and accountability.If it's cumbersome and not manageable, it won't work because those practices become only words on a paper."Įmerick stressed "true" fleet safety management includes: Make it as easy as possible so it is really effective and not so intrusive your best practices are not functional. "Look at all information and requirements and put it together to see how your fleet will really work.
"Businesses must also examine how to effectively incorporate these best practices into their operation and company culture," Emerick said. Keller & Associates, Inc., companies must first take into account regulations and the best practices driven from those regulations. According to Edward Emerick, lead safety consultant, Keller Consulting & Educational Resources, at J. Whether a truck fleet is small or large, minimizing driver risk and accident rates saves time, money, and even lives.Ĭreating, implementing, and maintaining a thorough risk management and safety program is not only a must-do for fleets today, but is the only comprehensive way to control liability issues.Ī "true" fleet risk management and safety program considers the entire risk picture. Maintaining a safe and risk-free fleet operation is crucial to operating a successful business. A driver selection and review policy should cover prevention of negligent entrustment, valid driver license (type & class) checks, MVRs on all new applicants, assessment of acceptable driving records, and a safety performance history check.