Reducing Workers’ Compensation Expenses
Issue: With hundreds of drivers on the road, and a large depot structure to support a direct delivery model, a program was needed that would preserve productivity while building a strong safety culture. The organization also wanted to capture a clear record of training results, and track risk metrics and other qualifications to demonstrate compliance with OSHA and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
Strategy & Insight: Driver and depot employees consider themselves time starved - hectic days, and an emphasis on sales and productivity leave little time for considering proper policies and procedures. The inspiration for the campaign became connecting without taking the employees away from their tasks. Branded job aids, high-traffic banners and functionality recognition items were the key to reaching this audience.
Execution: Using customized training guides and reference cards in a self-study format, the initial program established clear standards of behavior customized to address the safety and loss exposures faced by the driving team. The driver safety program begins with a self-study training
module to prepare the drivers for their behind-the-wheel training sessions. It ends with an interactive quiz/test. Once finished with their self-administered prep work, drivers continue with practical “Behind-The-Wheel” training under the supervision of a designated trainer. Training managers evaluate their students in a final practical examination and track the results using a robust compliance tracking website for further analysis.
Over the first five years of the program, losses were reduced by 45% and the organization saved between $8-12 million.
The compliance website is a customized information portal, ensuring access to the most up-to-date lesson material and consolidating training results and other DOT driver qualification information for instant access and analysis. Regional Safety Managers can monitor driver training compliance and examination results, and use the resulting insight to hold employees accountable for safe work practices.
Safety managers leverage the web infrastructure to recognize consistently safe employees through quarterly awards. A variety of valuable recognition products branded with the safety logo help promote the program and keep safety at the top of everyone’s mind. The driver safety campaign has been expanded to include general messaging related to PPE, safe lifting, strains & sprains, health & wellness and other high-risk areas.
Results: During the first year of the implementation, driving accidents were reduced by 50%, contributing to a 12% reduction in workers’ compensation claims. Over the first five years of the program, losses were reduced by 45% and the organization saved between $8-12 million from fewer losses and reduced insurance premiums.
Products used in this case study:
Training | Awareness | Metrics
Compliance | Incentives
Additional Case Studies:
Energy Management | Risk & Compliance
Data Protection | Loss Prevention
