Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1196310
PAGE 2 CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 YEAR END EDITION DECEMBER 26, 2019 Implementing a Fleet Safety Program By Karleen Kos, PSAI Executive Director, continued from page 1 The best-written program, policy, or procedure does you no good if it sits on a shelf. In fact, it can work against you in certain legal proceedings. Failing to follow policies or programs can be interpreted as negligence. On the other hand, don't be like one of the portable sanitation operators I met my first year with the PSAI. He said, "We don't have that many policies because I figure the less that is written, the less that can bite me." He was apparently overlooking the very real possibility of being "bitten" because he didn't have a policy or provide verifiable guidance to his employees. Getting Started with Creating or Updating Your Program Last week we discussed the basic elements of a fleet safety program. If you are feeling overwhelmed—or figuring your old program is just fine, thank you—have no fear. You don't have to start from scratch to put together a good fleet safety program that is a match with your current and near future needs. Google "fleet safety program for trucking," "commercial fleet safety programs," and the like to get an idea of the elements you need. You will find examples and templates to help you get you started. Insurance companies and firms that consult about safety topics create many of these resources. That's the easy part. Next, every company should evaluate its unique needs and customize its program to the situations on the ground where it operates. Your yard and driving conditions could vary widely from another company's experience. And generic "freebie" safety programs are just that: free because they are generic. Take time to cover specific areas that are critical to your business and region. Customizing Your Program If you need help designing or updating a program for your company and your fleet, there are consultants who will come and assist you for a fee. Depending on the size and complexity of your firm, consultants can range in price from around $1,000 a day to a "package price" they might quote to you after assessing your needs. You can also customize your program yourself. On March 25, 2020 the PSAI will hold a day-long course at the Annual Convention and Trade Show on how to do just that. The session, "A Comprehensive Approach to Managing a Fleet Safety Program," will be led by Ken Urquhart (pictured at left), a seasoned veteran of the Minnesota State Patrol now working with the Minnesota Chapter of the National Safety Council and teaching motor vehicle safety programs at Hennepin Technical College.