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 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.
Our extensive experience delivering 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 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.
Related Content
January 13, 2021
5 Steps for Year-Round Benefits Engagement
Open enrollment is something you probably only think about a few times a year. For employees, it might be even less often. And that’s unfortunate because that means employees may not be maximizing their benefits. That’s why it’s important to touch on benefits throughout the year—to ensure employees are making the most of them.
January 4, 2021
New COVID-19 Relief Bill: Highlights for Employers
On December 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the much-anticipated COVID-19 relief bill (the “Bill”), which was approved by Congress a week earlier. The Bill, a follow-up to the March 2020 CARES Act, provides a second round of stimulus dollars and economic relief measures; it also contains several provisions of particular importance to employers.
December 23, 2020
What We Know So Far: Understanding the $900B Stimulus Package
On Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, Congress passed an emergency stimulus package designed to deliver approximately $900 billion in COVID-19-related aid. The bill, which was part of a $1.4 trillion spending package that will keep the government open for the fiscal year, has been sent to President Donald Trump, and he is expected to sign it into law.
December 8, 2020
Acrisure Unveils New Tech-Enabled Brand
Acrisure, one of the world’s top-10 insurance brokers, today unveiled its new brand identity which underlines its unique combination of financial strength, industry expertise and global distribution power with the integration and deployment of best-in-class artificial intelligence and technology.
December 2, 2020
Benefits Update: December 2020
The Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Treasury (Departments) issued a final rule that imposes new transparency requirements on group health plans and health insurers in the individual and group markets.
November 19, 2020
Study Finds That Workers’ Compensation Mega Claims Are on the Rise
While any workers’ compensation claims can result in costly ramifications for your organization, one category of claim in particular—known as a “mega claim”—has the potential to carry significant consequences.
November 11, 2020
Coverage of COVID-19 Vaccines: Agencies Issue Interim Final Regulations
As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) signed into law in March 2020, most group health plans are required to provide no-cost coverage for COVID-19 preventive services, including vaccinations.
November 3, 2020
Acrisure Perspective: 6+ Million Households & Property Owners Could Be Underestimating Their Flood Risk
According to the insurance professionals at Acrisure’s Agency Partners, we believe that this disparity points to a worrisome trend: more than 6 million households and property owners could be underestimating or unaware of the extent of their flood risks.
October 27, 2020
Success Tips: Performance Reviews With Remote Employees
Performance reviews are traditionally conducted in-person, on a recurring basis. But, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, most businesses have at least some employees working remotely.
October 21, 2020
Staying Connected in the Time of COVID-19
The need for social distancing has put a pause on normal socializing activities, like family get-togethers, restaurant outings and music concerts. As the pandemic continues, social distancing doesn’t need to mean social isolation.