It often surprises me that while the insurance companies we represent each offer comprehensive safety programming to their clients, few take advantage of the tools available. There is no additional cost for this programming and for a small company it is almost like having a safety director at your immediate disposal.
For those of you who may not realize, below is an outline of some of the commonly offered safety programs, materials and services available through the majority of insurance companies who specialize in trucking:
Driver File Reviews: At your request a safety rep will stop out to your office to review your drivers’ files to make certain they are compliant. Some companies even offer printed guides to help you set up driver files correctly from the start and answer frequently asked questions.
DOT Audit Reviews: Similar to a driver file review, safety reps can also review your files prior to an anticipated DOT audit, or any other time, to make certain you are compliant and point out any potential issues.
Samples of and Recommendations for Formal Safety Programs: Safety reps love to help in the development of a formal safety program. They can outline the policies that are ideally included in a formal program and suggest specific verbiage or places to obtain verbiage to get you started in the process.
Driver Recognition Programs: Looking for a way to recognize your drivers for their outstanding service? Driver recognition programs are a great (and low cost) option. Many insurance companies offer certificates or give away items free of charge which may be used as acknowledgement of outstanding performance. Your safety rep can also suggest a basis for your driver recognition program. Examples include highest number of loss free miles, outstanding customer relations, best DOT inspection record and so forth.
Loss Control Consultation: Many companies will review your loss history to see if preventable patterns of loss can be identified, which will allow you to complete appropriate driver retraining. These consultations can be conducted either on site or through information gathered by fax or email.
Answers to Safety and Compliance Questions: Safety reps gladly make themselves available by phone to answer questions that arise regarding safety and compliance. Examples include compliance laws for operating in specific states or Canada, how to address DOT safety ratings on Safer and understanding new legislation relating to hours of service.
Safety Meetings: Would you like help planning a formal safety meeting? How about having a speaker the next time you meet with drivers? Most safety reps are willing to come out for a formal meeting and speak to your drivers for no cost. They are also willing to help facilitate a meeting or plan topics for discussion.
Safety Training Videos: Most insurance companies offer for loan a wide selection of VHS tapes, DVDs and CDs addressing safety topics. The only cost to you is the postage to return the video when you are done. For a complete listing of videos available to you, just call your Account Executive or your safety rep.
Printed Safety Materials: Printed materials are available for a wide range of topics, including: tips for reducing work comp claims, safety posters, instructions on completing pre-trip inspections, post-accident drug/alcohol testing procedures, completing daily driver logs and information regarding hazmat regulations, training and security plan development.
All of us at the Navigator Truck Insurance Agency work hard at being accessible, helpful and result oriented. Don’t see something you’d like help with? Give us a call (800) 596-TRUCK (8782). We’d be happy to see if what you are looking for is available.
Until next month,
Jeffery A. Moss, ARM
President