THE investment in time and money to implement a fleet safety program can be easily dismissed, particularly when the insured’s drivers have good records and/or their insurer has rewarded them with a good premium or a no-claim discount.

However, when an accident inevitably occurs, the business stands to lose far more than its excess or no-claim discount. Losses can range from extended time-off due to injuries or trauma, all the way through to loss of life or reputation-damaging media coverage.

Fleet safety programs can do more than save lives, they add significant value to your business. A complete fleet safety program can help to:

• Prevent injuries or even death
• Protect human and financial resources
• Reduce the risk of public liability
• Protect the client’s reputation

The decision to implement a fleet safety program should not be a knee-jerk reaction to a serious accident. Rather, it should be seen as a manifestation of the company’s commitment to its staff and the public. It could also be introduced as part of efforts to win more profitable contracts with customers who demand high safety standards.

The first step in creating a safety program is the appointment of a safety officer, ideally someone who carries both authority and respect with drivers. In smaller enterprises, it might be the business owner. In larger fleets, it might be the fleet or human resources manager.

A safety program aims to formalise, document and enact certain procedures. As such, it is important that the safety officer is provided with the tools to do the job and the time to perform the additional workload. This will include additional documentation tools, such as audit checklists, driver declarations and investment in dash cams and hands-free communications.