All businesses must invest in their employees’ safety and well-being. With that being said, it should be a bigger priority for some businesses than others. Take those that operate in the trucking industry, for instance. In that sector, employees face any number of known and unknown threats, since there’s no telling what happens on the roads.
Looking after your employees is more than just a business strategy. It’s also the right thing to do. In this post, we’ll run through some tried-and-tested methods for nudging your employee’s safety in the right direction.
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Hire experienced drivers
Your hiring policies will be your first line of defence against employee-related incidents. Offering competitive salaries can help attract drivers with more experience, which in turn will reduce the risk of something going wrong. However, it’s also important to remember that while hiring a driver with experience is a good starting point, you’ll also need to invest in their training. Your training programs should cover a wide range of skills and guidance, including what to do in dangerous driving conditions, how to load/unload securely and safely, and differing traffic laws across the country.
Get smart about software tools
Nowadays, there should be no reason for a driver to be out there on their own. With a host of software tools available, it’s never been easier for trucking businesses to access the information they need to keep their employees safe, including the number of hours they’ve been driving. For most trucking businesses, up until recently, it was a matter of ELD vs AOBRD; both of these can provide significant levels of information about the drivers’ activities, though ELD, now a legal requirement for trucking companies in North America, offers much more data that can help to keep your employees safe.
Ongoing maintenance
A driver’s safety will be greatly compromised if the truck they’re operating has defects and other issues. As such, it’s paramount to invest in your fleet’s maintenance. In doing so, you’ll help ensure that your vehicles are in tip-top condition, giving the driver confidence that they’re operating a reliable, road-worthy vehicle.
Regularly scheduled maintenance should be paired with a proactive approach once any small issues become known. By handling minor concerns early on, trucking businesses can prevent more serious — and more costly — issues from developing.
Open communication
Ensuring your drivers feel safe and confident in their vehicles depends on more than simply guiding them through safety procedures. It means having open, ongoing conversations where your employees can bring up any issues, concerns, or questions they may have. Also, keep in mind that it’s not enough to simply listen to your employees — the real value of the communication will be shown by acting on their feedback.
Prioritize wellbeing
Finally, look at encouraging your employees to invest in their overall well-being. A truck driver who is well-rested exercises regularly, and is happy in their work is much less likely to have an incident on the roads. If possible, provide stipends to facilitate their well-being.