Reduce Workers’ Compensation Claims by Focusing on Fleet Safety

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, transportation-related incidents are the most frequent cause of workplace death. In 2017, these incidents accounted for 40 percent of all workplace fatalities.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health points out that 55 percent of workers who died in a 2017 work-related transportation incident were not employed in a motor vehicle operator job.

Work-related motor vehicle crashes should be a major area of concern for all industries and company sizes. While the occurrence of transportation related deaths is tragic, it is also largely preventable.

Is your fleet safety plan and workers' compensation insurance coverage robust enough to:

• Reduce employee injuries and deaths?
• Safeguard your organization’s assets and longevity?
• Protect against workers’ compensation claims for injured employees or death benefits for fatalities?

The purpose of a fleet safety program is to eliminate unnecessary injuries and fatal circumstances by reducing the associated factors that we can control.

We understand that your employees are your most valuable asset and the most important contributors to your company’s continued growth and success. You no doubt have safety programs in place within your facility, but what about when your employees hit the road?

Whether you have a few cars or a whole convoy of trucks, establishing a fleet safety program is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to your employees and create a culture of safety. These efforts will, in turn, help reduce workers’ compensation claims.

Six Top Components of Fleet Safety Programs

Our extensive experience delivering commercial insurance solutions has shown that the best fleet safety programs include six key components. By working with your trusted advisor, we can build a comprehensive policy to apply to all your employees.

Recruitment

The most basic step is focusing on driver selection. This can be done with a variety of resources but it always starts with the job application. Application responses, formal interviews, background checks, reference verification, review of the individual’s motor vehicle record, and drug testing will help identify the safest candidates.

Job Requirements

All positions requiring regular driving should have a written job description including main duties, functions, and the necessary physical requirements of all associated tasks. The results of mandated physical evaluations, specifically through the U.S. Department of Transportation if applicable, should be compared to necessary physical requirements.

Training

Properly training employees on procedures and expectations sets a standard for safety and behavior. Information on safe driving and instructions on defensive driving should be available to all drivers.

Preventative Maintenance

Performing regular and preventative maintenance on vehicles and equipment helps reduce the risk of accidents due to wear and tear and identify larger issues before a vehicle breaks down. Well-running vehicles will be more likely to navigate hazardous road conditions and keep drivers focused on the road.

Accident Investigation

Accidents happen. Using incidents as a learning opportunity by quickly addressing and investigating issues helps identify opportunities for the improvement of employees and equipment. Doing so also reinforces your organization’s commitment to safety and transparency.

Tracking employees with multiple incidents will also provide insight into whether an employee is intentionally creating accidents to collect workers’ compensation or may be in need of additional training.

Personal Use of Company Vehicles

Clearly defining acceptable use of company vehicles on personal time guides employee behavior. Widely known expectations also provide framework for repercussions should an incident occur outside the acceptable use policy.

An Extension of Your Fleet

Establishing a proactive fleet safety program which stresses safety awareness and accident prevention is much more manageable than processing workers’ compensation claims and paying death benefits for incidents after the fact.

At Acrisure, we specialize in developing tailored business insurance solutions to provide our clients peace of mind and protect their company’s assets. Fleet safety programs are no exception. Contact us to work with one of our team members to evaluate your current program and learn how we can suggest improvements to reduce your risk and related workers’ compensation claims or request a workers' compensation insurance quote now.