In the dynamic world of fleet management, establishing a strong safety culture is not just a necessity but a business imperative. During a keynote at the Fleet Safety Conference, Brian Fielkow, Executive Vice President of Risk Resources, outlined 12 core principles that define a no-accident fleet safety culture. These principles are crucial for fleet managers who aim to assess and enhance their safety practices effectively.
1. Safety as a Core Value: Safety must be an immutable, non-negotiable value in fleet operations. Productivity should never compromise safety standards.
2. Redefining 'Accidents': Shift the terminology from 'accidents' to 'crashes' or 'incidents' to emphasize their preventable nature.
3. Striving for Zero Incidents: Adopt a mindset aiming for zero incidents, acknowledging that while perfection may be unattainable, it is the standard to strive for.
4. The High Cost of Unsafe Practices: Understand that the cost of a safety lapse far outweighs the investment in a robust safety program, considering the potential for loss of life, legal issues, and damaged reputation.
5. Beyond Compliance: Compliance with regulations is just the starting point; true safety extends beyond legal requirements to everyday behaviors and decisions.
6. Leadership-Driven Safety: Safety must be driven by leaders and not expected to emerge organically. It's integral to operational excellence.
7. Employee Ownership of Safety: When leaders prioritize safety, it encourages employees, especially front-line workers, to take ownership and actively participate in safety practices.
8. Fostering a Just Culture: Move away from a blame culture to one that understands human error, focusing on honest mistakes versus reckless behavior.
9. Respect for Processes: Professionals adhere to procedures. A strong safety culture respects and follows well-defined processes consistently.
10. Disregarding Severity: Focus on behavior rather than the severity of outcomes. Even minor incidents should be taken seriously for retraining and prevention.
11. Breaking Down Silos: Safety is not the responsibility of a single department but a collective, organization-wide commitment.
12. Embracing Change: Encourage change by building trust and including employees in the process. Top-down mandates are less effective than inclusive strategies.
In an era where fleet safety is more critical than ever, adopting these 12 principles can transform your organization's approach to risk and safety. At Alliance Leasing, we understand the importance of a strong safety culture in fleet management. Our team is committed to helping you implement these principles, ensuring your fleet operates safely and efficiently. Contact us to learn more about how we can support your journey towards a no-accident fleet safety culture.
