Fleet Safety

Road

A total fleet safety program establishes the policies and procedures needed to help ensure a safe work environment for all drivers. It can also help protect against liability from vehicle accidents. Your company culture should reflect and leave no doubt in a driver’s mind “this is how we drive at XYZ Pest Control”. There are no guarantees that an accident will not happen; driving is our largest exposure. Establishing a formal and ongoing program of training, communication, screening and inspection is essential to elevate safety culture and reduce accident frequency and severity.

Fleet Safety Program Self Audit Checklist

Fleet Safety Forms

Fleet Safety Program

a. Screening and selecting drivers

i. Review accident history

ii. Review MVR violations, when do you check? (TEMPLATE - MVR Review)

iii. Determine years driving experience (5 or more)

iv. Inquire on any driver training prior to your job

b. Telematics – if you have a system

i. Do you use the system for driver behavior tracking (hard braking, speeding, etc.?)

ii. Do you use data with the individual on a scheduled basis to coach)

iii. Do you use data with group of drivers on a scheduled basis

iv. Do you have goals set of which all drivers are aware

v. Do you assign training when telematics data indicates deficiency of skills

c. Mobile phones and other devices

i. Does your policy state no phone use while driving (PestSure Mobile Phone Policy Template)

1. Does it state alternatives for no phone use while driving

ii. Does your policy apply to all drivers

iii. How and when is the policy communicated – initial and ongoing

iv. How is the policy enforced

v. How often is it signed/acknowledged by drivers

d. Your driver training

i. How do you train drivers – do you use a standardized program (PestSure partners EOS:SAFE/Driver’s Alert)

ii. Frequency of training/refreshers (F&F for Eos - Driver’s Alert - NSC Safety Huddles)

iii. Training format – who and how

iv. Is there an in-cab assessment component (EOS Safe Driver)

v. Is there a system for driving “rehabilitation” when history indicates need

e. Your driver policy

i. Does it address seat belt use, impaired driving, and distracted driving (PestSure Driver Policy Template)

ii. Does it address vehicle use – personal vs. work, passengers, other drivers

iii. Does it address vehicle maintenance expectations, parking, and repairs

f. Vehicle inspections/trailer inspections maintenance and repair

i. Do you inspect on a random/unannounced basis (PestSure Vehicle Inspection Form)

ii. Does the inspection include all vehicle safety items (tires, lights, fluids, windshield, mirrors, etc.?)

iii. Is there a specific system for reporting deficient items/follow-up

g. Driver scheduling

i. Is routing efficiency maximized for fewer road miles

ii. Does routing avoid high hazard spots in your geographic area

iii. Does scheduling consider peak drive times, sun-up/sun down, rush hours

h. Accident response/reporting/investigation

i. Do you train drivers in accident reporting system (PestSure.com PPT)

ii. Who investigates

iii. Who follows-up with your driver on coaching/training

iv. Do all vehicles have a glove box accident packet and are drivers trained on how to use it (Accident Packet PDF)

i. Your driver incentives

i. Do you reward drivers who perform well with telematics

ii. Do you reward for inspections, clear MVR’s, training completion, etc.

iii. Do you reward for favorable accident history

By investing time in communication and training for safe driving, managers can create and maintain a culture of safety. Apart from road safety, a culture of safety can also help increase efficiency, productivity, and profitability.

Accidents and injuries are reason enough to keep safety top of mind, but other benefits to creating a culture of safety also exist. It saves money and time (dealing with accidents and insurance), instills pride in your drivers, and gives your company a good reputation.

Make safety a top priority with the following tips on how to create and maintain a culture of safety with your drivers.

1. Be an example – You are a leader. In that role, you inspire those you supervise to do their best. Do what you want them to do. Model honesty and listen to them, value their suggestions, and treat everyone with respect.

2. Communicate frequently – Host regular safety meetings. If all your drivers cannot meet face-to-face for those meetings, consider video conferencing them at locations. Create materials with safety messages and send out emails and texts. Use multiple formats to communicate safety.

3. Prioritize driver training – Education needs to be ongoing from the time of employee orientation until a driver leaves your company. Accident history, public call-ins, MVR activity, and telematics let you know when a driver needs coaching.

4. Recognize safe drivers – Even though safe driving is a requirement of the job, it helps develop a culture of safety with all your drivers when you recognize and celebrate safe driving achievements. Measure those items that promote safe driving such as your inspection records, training completion, accident free drivers, clear MVR’s, and telematics data.