Reduce Risks for Towing Operations. As long as we have vehicles on the roads, people will always need reliable tow trucks to save the day. Owning a tow truck business can be gratifying work, yet several risks require proper management.
- Property crime and theft. According to Pew Research, property crime decreased by over 50% between 1993 and 1018. On average, there are a reported 2,199 property crimes per 100,000 people annually. Likely, property crime has decreased with the increased use of wi-fi-enabled cameras, motion-activated alarms, and software that makes viewing the scene after a tripped alarm easy. Good lighting and fencing also help to detract criminals. These preventative measures are essential since less than 30% of stolen property is recovered.
- On-site accidents and injuries. Not all accidents happen on the road. Maintaining a vehicle yard and mechanic shop as part of your towing business exposes employees and visitors to many risks, including tripping hazards, sharp metal, and broken glass. Requiring employees to wear proper gear and keeping the workspace clean will reduce the likelihood of accidents, and customers should be restricted from work zones.
- Inland marine exposures. Whether you are storing a customer’s vehicle temporarily or involved in the impounding business, you will have situations where you are responsible for personal property left inside towed vehicles. The same measures that help prevent property crime will help keep these items safe. It’s also essential to use a clear system for labeling customer belongings and tracking who they are released to.
- Environmental impairments. Many towing operations service and fuel their vehicles in-house. Storing flammable materials should be done with extreme care. Accidents can easily result in spills, fires, or exposure to harmful fumes. Be sure to regularly examine and test your systems to make sure they work correctly, and ensure all employees are well-trained in handling hazardous chemicals.
- On-the-job accidents. Once a driver leaves the lot with a tow truck, both the vehicle and the employee are at risk. Management should train all employees in safe operational procedures. Common types of accidents include:
- Being hit by oncoming traffic. Unfortunately, many drivers on the road do not give tow truck drivers and their equipment enough room to do their job. Additionally, too many drivers attempt to see what’s going with a crashed vehicle and accidentally hit the towing employee or other bystanders. Using reflective clothing, regulation cones, and flares, and watching for traffic will help reduce injuries and death.
- Being crushed by rolling and tipping vehicles. Vehicles requiring a tow are heavy, often imbalanced, and susceptible to rolling. Tow drivers must keep the loading zone clear and use extreme caution when using winches.
- Fatigue. Many tow drivers work long hours. It’s easy for drivers to make mistakes when they are tired. Limiting the number of hours in a shift and requiring days off and vacations can help make sure your drivers perform at their best while on the clock.
- Strains and breaks. Towing equipment and vehicle parts are hefty. Drivers that are not using proper safety procedures to lift and haul equipment can sustain severe muscle strains. Dropped equipment can break toes, fingers, and other bones. Using durable, lightweight equipment designed with ergonomics can reduce injuries and make tasks easier to accomplish.
Collins cares about the safety of your crew.
The job of towing professionals is challenging. Collins Hi-Speed® and Carrier Dolly products reduce risks for towing operations and make your employees’ jobs easier. Our dollies make towing more manageable using the lightest gear and safest standards in the marketplace. With Collins Dollies, we can get your customers out of the most challenging spots. Contact us today for more information!
Leave a Reply