Creating a safety-first culture in fleet management: Four steps to fleet safety success

Ensuring driver health and safety has emerged as a major challenge for fleet management operations. As the demand for efficient transportation services continues to surge, prioritizing the well-being of fleet drivers, fleet operators, and the public is no longer a choice; it’s an imperative for any responsible organization. Creating a safety-first culture not only reflects our responsibility as fleet managers, it’s also a smart business strategy that can lead to reduced accidents, increased productivity, and enhanced employee satisfaction.

With over 35 years of culture transformation consulting experience, JMJ has encountered numerous safety-conscious leaders firmly committed to fleet safety but seeking guidance on where to initiate improvements. In response, we have identified four key areas that lay the foundation for a robust fleet safety culture, leading the way to safer roads and a thriving fleet management environment.

1. Recognition: Caring for drivers’ well-being

To build a safety-first culture, it’s essential to engage with employees and address their emotional well-being. Driving can be stressful, and acknowledging the challenges fleet drivers face goes a long way in improving their mindset while on the road.

• Checking in: Regularly provide fleet drivers with a platform to express their thoughts and concerns, creating opportunities to identify potential issues or areas that require improvement. JMJ’s Transformation Cloud™ technology platform provides detailed analysis and strategic roadmaps for success, driving positive change and measurable outcomes. The platform enables continuous monitoring to inform data-driven decisions and track ongoing improvement.
• Acknowledgement: Recognize and appreciate fleet drivers for their hard work and accomplishments. Specific recognition for a job well done reinforces positive behaviors and boosts morale, encouraging a safer driving approach.

2. Coaching for safer driving behaviors

Capability building plays a vital role in fostering a safety-first culture, and should not solely focus on driving skills. After all, fleet drivers are professionals. Instead, focus on understanding and changing mindsets towards safer driving behaviors.

• Coaching approach: Disciplinary or remedial training should adopt a coaching approach rather than a traditional teaching method. Coaching involves active engagement, feedback, and personalized guidance, which helps fleet drivers internalize safe practices better. The delivery approach should be tailored to meet the individual needs of fleet drivers, ensuring more effective and impactful outcomes.

3. Fleet Integrated practices: Aligning training systems and policies

To create a cohesive safety-first culture, all aspects of fleet management must work in harmony. This includes integrating training systems, policies, and practices with the specific needs of drivers and fleet operations.

• Efficient systems: Streamline training systems to be practical and relevant to the fleet drivers’ daily experiences. Training should focus on real-life scenarios and challenges drivers encounter on the road, making it easier for them to apply learned skills.
• Limited interference: Policies and practices should complement each other rather than conflicting or creating unnecessary burdens. A seamless integration ensures that fleet drivers can concentrate on safety without unnecessary distractions.

4. Explain why you care: Safety beyond driving

Promote a holistic understanding of the importance of safety in fleet management. It’s not just about efficient driving; it’s about safeguarding lives, and the well-being of everyone on the road.

• Safety beyond driving: Emphasize the broader impact of safe driving on the drivers’ families, passengers, other road users, and the community as a whole. Help them recognize that their efforts contribute to a safer society.

Creating a safety-first culture requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. By recognizing fleet drivers’ well-being, adopting a coaching approach to training, integrating practices efficiently, and emphasizing the broader significance of safety, fleet managers can create a fleet culture that prioritizes safety above all else. Such a culture ensures that every driver returns home safely to their loved ones at the end of each journey.

Contact us today and find out how JMJ’s IIF Fleet safety solution and Transformation Cloud technologies, combined with our consulting expertise can help your fleet management organization meet its safety, sustainability, and high-performance goals.