Over the past few months, we have discussed many tactics for improving fleet safety, discouraging distracted driving, and reducing accidents. All of these are important prevention measures. However, as with any strategy, one of the most critical items is gaining employee support and “buy in”. This can be especially difficult for those employees who are mobile or field-based. Helping employees “get it” by understanding the danger of distracted driving and other risks is always one of the most difficult barriers and that difficulty is compounded for these types of employees.
Since mobile employees are often not in one central location for very long (if at all), some of the more classic styles of communication are not as effective as they are with facility-based employees. You need to be creative and look for opportunities to communicate your message in unusual ways. We often see managers trying to make employees bend to their communication style rather than adapting it to the employees’ unique work situation. The ultimate goal is to get the safety message in front of employees as often as possible throughout their workday.
Some methods we have implemented or recommended include:
- Constant “Bite Size” Communication – A great tool is to have small bits of information sent out regularly to employees. These should be included in the employees’ information stream so that safety is not separated from their other operational priorities. These small bits can be in the form of emails, text messages, notes added to shipping manifests, etc. Another option may be to add safety messages to any computerized dispatch or sales systems they may use. Imagine a short safety reminder popping up when employees log into their computer each day. Having a variety of messages that change frequently will keep the subject of safety fresh and in the forefront of daily activities.
- Quick Accident Communications – Helping employees realize they can be involved in accidents and getting over the “It can’t happen to me” mindset is critical. A strategy for this is to send out communications as quickly as possible after an injury or incident takes place. This will help raise employee awareness that accidents can happen to them. The initial report should be factual and contain a brief description of what is known of the incident. Details which may identify the employee should be removed to protect privacy. A more detailed report of findings should be distributed to the workforce once the incident analysis has been completed.
- Manager Safety Observations – Use to your advantage the time that managers are interacting with workers. Train your managers on safe work practices and utilize a form or other tool to capture and document how often they discuss safety issues with their employees. This should encourage honest discussion between your managers and workers on safety topics. Managers who support and coach safety performance are an asset for many companies and can have a significant impact on helping employees see the value of safety.
- Division Meetings or Communications – If a company is large enough, or if it is sales or service oriented, it is very likely that they have their own internal communication methods such as a newsletter, regular emails, or meetings. Inserting safety into these streams whenever possible is important. Also, these are the streams where the employee is accustomed to seeing important information, so if safety is added to these channels it can elevate the importance of safety in the minds of employees. Sometimes finding the keeper of these communication methods can be as challenging as getting your safety message added to them, but don’t give up, it is well worth the effort.
