Transportation fleets are navigating challenging safety conditions, as road accidents and serious injuries continue to rise. In response to these statistics, fleet operators and risk management professionals are increasingly exploring comprehensive strategies aimed at building stronger safety cultures within their organizations.
This involves not only addressing driver safety through better training and clearer policies but also cultivating an environment where every employee, from senior executives to frontline workers, actively participates in promoting and maintaining safe practices.
William Kalbhenn, national transportation lead consultant at Marsh, says transportation companies can address these trends through an organizational safety culture that starts with executive leadership and permeates throughout the workforce.
“Leadership should commit meaningfully to building a safety culture by prioritizing it in decision-making and resource allocation,” Kalbhenn said. “Leaders should model safe behaviors, encourage training, and actively participate in safety initiatives.”
Kalbhenn emphasized that clearly documented and well-communicated safety policies are essential. Organizations must ensure these guidelines are easily accessible, understood, and integrated into daily routines.
“Develop and communicate clear safety policies and procedures that are documented and easily accessible to all relevant parties,” he said. “Ensure that employees understand these guidelines and their importance in daily operations.”
He also highlighted the importance of regular training programs, both during onboarding for new hires and continuously for existing employees. Kalbhenn recommends routine training sessions to maintain workforce readiness and compliance.
Creating an environment that encourages employees to openly discuss safety issues without fear of negative consequences is another critical factor. Kalbhenn believes fostering open communication channels can lead to improved identification and mitigation of risks.
“Foster an environment where employees feel comfortable reporting safety concerns and incidents without fear of retribution,” he said. “Encourage open dialogue about safety issues and solutions.”
Kalbhenn said that involving employees directly in safety committees and task forces can improve the organization's ability to recognize potential hazards and create effective responses.
Regular safety audits and inspections, according to Kalbhenn, are critical practices that organizations should adopt to maintain and verify compliance with safety protocols.
“Perform regular safety audits and inspections to identify hazards and assess compliance with safety policies,” Kalbhenn said. “Use the findings to make necessary improvements.”
Companies should also implement programs that recognize employees who consistently prioritize safety, as Kalbhenn notes these can reinforce positive behaviors throughout the workforce.
Kalbhenn also urges organizations to establish structured processes for incident reporting and analysis, highlighting that thorough data analysis can uncover important trends and guide improvements.
“Establish a system for reporting and analyzing incidents and near misses,” Kalbhenn said. “Use this data to identify trends, root causes, and areas for improvement, and share lessons learned with the entire organization.”
He emphasized that safety efforts should continuously evolve. This includes periodic reassessment of policies, training programs, and organizational practices based on feedback and emerging information.
“Promote a culture of continuous improvement by regularly reviewing and updating safety policies, procedures, and training programs based on employee feedback and new information,” Kalbhenn said.
Investment in new safety technology, such as telematics systems, dash cameras, and safety management software, can also significantly strengthen a fleet's safety practices, according to Kalbhenn.
Furthermore, Kalbhenn noted the importance of addressing employee wellness as a safety consideration. He recommended wellness programs that include physical and mental health resources.
“Implement wellness programs that address physical and mental health, as these factors can significantly impact safety,” Kalbhenn said. “Encourage healthy lifestyles and provide resources for mental and physical health.”
Finally, preparedness for emergency scenarios remains vital. Kalbhenn advises companies to develop robust plans and practice these regularly through training exercises and drills.
“Develop and communicate emergency response plans,” Kalbhenn said. “Conduct drills and training exercises to ensure that employees know how to respond effectively in various emergency situations.”
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