Creating a safety-first culture in fleet management: Four steps to fleet safety success
JMJ’s Rick Cates, CDS CDT, and Alex Galor, explore the key steps organizations can take to create a strong IIF™ safety culture in fleet management.
JMJ’s Rick Cates, CDS CDT, and Alex Galor, explore the key steps organizations can take to create a strong IIF™ safety culture in fleet management.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For over three decades, JMJ has been delivering impactful cultural change to help executives, leaders and front-line workers transform safety, sustainability, and business performance. We combine the deep experience of our people with our proprietary Transformation Cloud platform to deliver breakthrough results, making the impossible possible. www.jmj.com
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