How to Keep Employees Safe on the Road
There are many potential causes of an auto accident, but some are manageable with training and clear expectations. Consider implementing these preventative measures to reduce the risk of your employees experiencing an accident while on the road:
Create a culture of safety in the workplace. Implementing a culture of safety should be a top priority for all executives. It can reduce the risk of workplace accidents and can foster open, honest communication between you and your employees. Establishing a culture of safety begins with setting clear policies, goals, and plans for workplace safety and communicating these measures at every level of the company. Ensure there is a clear system in place for employees to report safety concerns, injuries, or property damage to their direct manager and that the system is adequately promoted to staff.
Hold safety trainings frequently. Safety begins well before a driver even turns on the ignition. Require all employees to participate in safety training sessions when they are being onboarded, as well as regularly afterward. Consider holding seasonal trainings that are designed to prepare drivers for the risks they can expect as the weather changes. At the end of each session, offer various resources that can increase drivers’ day-to-day awareness of potential risks.
Establish a safety committee. A committee comprised of employees with the common goal of fostering a culture of safety can increase employees’ abilities to identify and prevent workplace injuries. The committee should be evaluated on a quarterly or yearly basis to confirm that it is meeting its safety goal and objectives.
Implement a cell phone policy. Cell phone use contributes to an estimated 27% of motor vehicle crashes, according to the National Safety Council. Their Cell Phone Policy Kit can help employers to educate and protect their drivers from the dangers of distracted driving.
Identify appropriate ways to monitor driving habits. Employers are rarely in the cab with their drivers, but there are ways to monitor drivers’ habits and establish a sense of accountability.
For example, consider incorporating telematics into your safety program to monitor vehicle use, real-time weather and traffic data, route optimization, safe driving practices, engine diagnostics, and more. When used appropriately, telematics can help to reduce the likelihood of an accident by catching problems at their source.
These practices all contribute to a safety program that puts the company’s most valuable assets — its employees — at the forefront.
