Strengthening Fleet Safety Through a Proactive Safety Culture

This client, a leading water treatment company, is focused on solving tough water treatment challenges across various industries with innovative and tailored approaches. They emphasize safety in both product development and field operations, highlighting the importance of protecting employees, customers, and the environment. However, with a growing fleet and increasing incidents, the company realized that there was an opportunity to significantly enhance driver safety and create a more robust fleet safety culture. They sought to establish a proactive, risk- mitigation-focused safety program that would not only improve driver performance but also help them achieve their ultimate goal of zero accidents, incidents, injuries, and environmental releases.

Establishing a Comprehensive Safety Program

They implemented a multifaceted safety program that included regular driver monitoring, safety training, and a strong emphasis on risk mitigation. With Wheels’ support, the client set up a monthly safety council comprising leadership from EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety), sales, operations, HR, and legal departments. This council reviewed every incident and violation, ensuring that appropriate training and corrective actions were taken promptly.

The program introduced quarterly safety training, targeted accident prevention modules, and a new “Drive for Zero” recognition program, which rewards drivers who demonstrate outstanding safety performance. They also prioritized the integration of real-time reporting from Wheels which identifies high-risk drivers and assigns them the necessary training to mitigate risks before accidents occur.

Less Incidents, Lower Costs, and a Stronger Safety Culture

The client’s commitment to safety has yielded remarkable results. In 2023, they saw a 10% reduction in both total incidents and repair spending. An impressive 97% of their drivers are now categorized as risk level 3 or lower, and 89% of their drivers have no points on their records, reflecting the success of the monthly safety training and internal safety initiatives. Additionally, their “Drive for Zero” program has introduced a culture of safety across the organization, with employee recognition and rewards for safe driving practices. The ultimate goal is to achieve zero accidents, incidents, injuries, and environmental releases, and the company is well on its way to reaching that ultimate zero accident goal.