Page 50 - OHS, March 2020

RISK MANAGEMENT
on work time. Firms who provide work (fleet) vehicles recognize the potential for accidents. They routinely train for safety, monitor the driving records of employees, and have adequate liability insur- ance. Small business owners that do not offer fleet vehicles may underestimate the likelihood that an employee driving their vehicle to run work errands presents a potential danger for the business. Should an accident occur, the business may be targeted for legal ac- tion. A large workman’s compensation claim and higher premiums may be the result of an injury to the employee. A smart business owner plans for the unexpected.
First, identify all employees who utilize fleet or personal vehicles to perform duties for the company in any capacity. This includes the service tech who is on the road each day as well as the admin clerk who purchases cleaning and office supplies at Costco each week and goes to the bank and post office each afternoon. While it doesn’t in- clude private contractors who work for the company, it does include the salesperson visiting potential clients, the management person checking on employees or visiting current clients, as well as the vice president meeting with a client to negotiate a contract.
Many companies fail to recognize that any employee perform- ing duties for the company that would be considered “work” is liable for the safe action of the employee in the general public. Therefore, it is essential to consider the driving record for all em- ployees who drive while on the clock. Whether the employee is in a company or personal vehicle, implementing a safe driving program
will provide long-term benefits for the employee and the company. For the small business without a fleet, the driving program may be regular safe driving discussions at the daily huddles or monthly staff training. It should always include awareness for monitoring the driving records of any employee who spends any portion of their workday in a vehicle.
Why is safety important? For every dollar invested in a good safety program, four to six dollars are recovered through lower workman compensation costs, increased productivity, and higher employee morale.
The Japanese “Point and Call” method may not be necessary for every business or occupational setting, but there is a compelling need for co-action and co-reaction communication. When em- ployees and employers incorporate safety into their efficiency and productivity efforts, a business can truly thrive.
Rodney Shuck is a Project Director at Cogent Analytics. As the for- mer Safety Coordinator of the UPS Southeast Region, he represent- ed more than 200,000 employees in facilitating safe work methods and driving skills. His Safety training allowed him to lead one of the largest transportation groups in the country to a 50 percent reduc- tion in injuries and 45 percent reduction in auto accidents. Four decades of working closely with clients, employees, and high-level management has given Rod a passion for helping small business owners be successful.
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