One of the greatest risks many employees are exposed to, often on a daily basis, is related to motor vehicle incidents. These incidents are consistently the leading cause of work-related fatalities in many countries, such as the US, which means that all those who operate a motor vehicle as part of their job are at risk of being involved in a roadway crash. That’s why employers need to take all the necessary steps to reduce this risk and protect their workers on and off the job.
The consequences of a motor vehicle crash can be devastating to both those directly involved and their companies. People may lose their lives, families can be left without a member who was bringing income, and companies may no longer have a great and reliable worker, which may cause companies to face unforeseen and unexpected costs that could jeopardize their operations. To help you avoid this problem, we’ve compiled a list of tips that are related to safety of your employees behind the wheel.
Safe Driving Program
One thing each company, regardless of its size, should do if its employees are required to drive as part of their job is to design and implement a driver safety program. The aims of this program are to save lives, reduce the risk of life-altering injuries, protect the company’s human and financial resources, and guard against potential company and personal liabilities associated with crashes.
Creating a safe driving program should be seen as an investment, rather than expenditure because of its ability to protect workers and save the company money by preventing expensive accidents. It’s very likely that driver attitudes would need to be changed and skills improved, but the knowledge and skills acquired through such a program would prevent vehicle crashes and tragedies.
Written Policies and Procedures
For any safe driving program to be successful, there has to be a written statement emphasizing the commitment to reducing traffic-related deaths and injuries. In order to successfully reduce these accidents, a set of comprehensive and enforceable safety policies should be created and communicated to all employees. Communicating these policies can be accomplished by posting them throughout the workplace, distributing copies, or organizing regular meetings where the policies are discussed. To improve the chances of successful implementation, consider offering bonuses or incentives for sticking to the rules and point out the consequences of disregarding them.
Insurance
Needless to say, you’re going to need to insure all your vehicles and drivers. As a company, you might be entitled to a more affordable package for a group of vehicles, so it might be worth investigating different insurance prices to find the best deal for your company. A reliable and comprehensive car insurance policy will cover the cost of repairs and losses, which are the most common scenarios related to accidents on the road. It’s always a good idea to opt for the most comprehensive package you can afford, since your employees are exposed to this risk every day.
Check Employee Driving Records
It would be unwise to allow someone to drive a company’s car without previously checking their driving record. Therefore, you should screen out drivers with poor driving records, since they are more likely to cause problems in the future. Additionally, their records should be checked periodically to make sure they are maintaining a good driving record. Also, you should clearly define the number of violations a driver can have before losing the privilege of driving for work. If necessary, organize additional training, but only if you can afford it.
Regular Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection
Needless to say, your fleet needs to be properly selected, and regularly maintained and inspected to minimize the risk of crashes and related losses. Because of this fact, vehicles need to be on a routine preventive maintenance schedule for servicing and checking safety-related equipment. Make sure you stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to the specific mileage when regular maintenance should be performed.
One thing to bear in mind, also, is the age of your drivers. When it comes to millennials at work and perspectives from a new generation, they rightfully expect their cars to feature as much safety equipment as possible. So, consider upgrading those features or replacing the vehicles that don’t allow for such improvements. New generations are much more sensitive when it comes to safety and they have every right to feel that way.
Use Tracking Technology
You should be able to have data about where your vehicles have been throughout the day to make sure your drivers are not slacking on the job. Remember that unauthorized use of a company vehicle is grounds for termination, since it has the potential to be a serious liability and can damage the reputation of your company, not to mention the possibility of theft or vandalism. That’s why it’s recommended you use tracking technology to track and analyze employees drive times and location.
These are the most important tips you should follow in order to improve the safety of your employees who drive a company car or drive for work. The more you invest in this aspect, the fewer problems you’ll have. With higher safety standards, you will not only protect your valuable assets more, but you’ll also improve your employer branding significantly.
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