See it. Teach it.

You may think that accidents are just that – things outside of your control. But, according to the National Safety Council, the majority of collisions are a result of human behavior, not physical hazards.

Safe operations begin with you. Observe employees as they work and begin to offer constructive feedback on their unsafe actions. Your employees will value your commitment to their safety.

During your observation, focus on the root causes of your most common and costly collisions. An effective observation is not the same thing as a “ride-along.” The most successful behavior modification programs are unannounced and unfiltered.

Observe activities such as:

• Loading or unloading at the station or terminal
• Pre-trip, in-route or post-trip inspections
• Adjusting mirrors and backing the vehicle
• Operating the vehicle on the road
• Routine tasks during stops

The primary goal of your observation is to coach employees on understanding their at-risk behavior and develop corrective actions. Feedback must be immediate, unbiased and constructive. This should not be used to find fault, but to show true interest in the employee’s safety and well-being.

By teaching your employees safe habits, at-risk behaviors and costly collisions will become minimal.