The intersection of culture and safety in fleet operations: Strategies for driving positive change

Managing a fleet comes with a multitude of responsibilities, each with its unique set of challenges. In this high-paced, high-risk working environment, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day firefighting and neglect the seemingly intangible concept of ‘culture.’ Yet developing a positive culture can be the long-term solution to many of today’s most pressing issues, chief among them being driver safety.
 
Fleet safety is critical to the success of many industries, from construction to chemicals, food to energy. It’s also an operation fraught with risks, with driver safety at the forefront.
 
Moving away from mere compliance towards a culture where safety and well-being is a core value is integral to achieving high performance. Instilling that culture in a fleet environment has historically proved challenging, but the availability of cutting-edge technologies and analytics tools is an exciting development. These innovations make it easier for organizations to create, monitor and sustain an Incident and Injury-Free™ fleet culture.
 
In the following sections, we will take a high-level look at the practical applications of some of these technologies, the benefits they bring to driver safety and overall fleet performance, and how they are redefining the path towards an Incident and Injury-Free fleet environment.

1. Fleet management technologies

Fleet management technologies have emerged as a game-changer. Thanks to advancements in GPS tracking and real-time monitoring, fleet managers now have unprecedented visibility into their fleet operations. Trucks and drivers are not only trackable but also more secure than ever before. This level of connectivity extends to various aspects:

• Maintenance data: With the wealth of data available, fleet managers can proactively address maintenance issues, preventing costly breakdowns and ensuring that vehicles are always in optimal condition.
• Communication: Cell phones and on-board communications (ELD) provide quick response times to unexpected situations which can make all the difference to a driver and enhance safety and productivity. Cell phones should only be used hands free and according to federal, state or local ordnance.
• Cameras: The integration of front-facing and driver-facing cameras provides valuable insights into driver behavior and road conditions, enabling managers to address safety concerns and improve overall performance.
• Speed control: Speed tracking and limiting devices help curb risky driving behavior, reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by excessive speed.

2. Data-driven coaching

Telematics, with its ability to collect and analyze data in real-time, has revolutionized how we coach and develop our fleet drivers. This technology goes beyond simple tracking, it allows fleet managers to assess the safety of fleet drivers on the road accurately. Utilizing this data effectively for coaching can significantly impact skills development and decrease the likelihood of accidents:

• Fleet driver behavior: By monitoring driver behavior, fleet managers can pinpoint areas where they may be taking unnecessary risks or not following safety protocols. This data-driven approach enables targeted coaching to improve safety practices.

3. Advanced driving practices

Advanced driving techniques have become increasingly crucial. Beyond basic fleet driver training, these practices focus on maintaining control of a vehicle in adverse conditions or challenging situations:

• Adverse road conditions: It’s vital that fleet drivers are well-equipped to navigate difficult and often dangerous road conditions and situations. Advanced training ensures they are equipped to respond quickly and effectively reducing the risk of accidents.

4. Auditing processes

In the quest for safety and efficiency, auditing processes play a pivotal role. Whether you choose to self-audit or employ auditing services, it’s essential to measure the performance of your fleet:

• FMCSA resources: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides valuable resources for auditing your company. Accessible information helps you understand what’s working and identify areas that may need improvement.

These tools and techniques are not only shaping the future of fleet safety but also redefining the way we approach culture and security within our organizations. Stay tuned for more insights and practical tips to enhance your fleet’s safety culture or contact us to discuss how JMJ’s Incident and Injury-Free™ Fleet solution can help you diagnose, deliver and sustain a high-performing safety culture at your organization.