The towing industry is one of the most dangerous, so ensuring the safety and security of employees and customers is paramount. The tow truck industry faces unique challenges, from operating heavy machinery to responding to emergency roadside situations. By adopting best-of-breed hiring practices, tow truck companies can significantly enhance the safety and security of their operations while reducing the risks of accidents and injuries. Here are some ways implementing proven hiring practices will lead to enhanced safety for your employees and customers to reduce your financial and reputation risks.
Implementing best-of-breed hiring practices and maintaining a strong focus on safety can significantly reduce the risks of accidents and injuries. This protects employees and customers and minimizes the company’s liability exposure. With the right recruitment procedures in place, your company can realize lower accident rates, reduced workers’ compensation claims, and a stronger reputation with your customer base.
Two Fundamental Strategies for Hiring Practices that Lead to Enhanced Safety
The Importance of Hiring the Right People
Effective hiring practices are the foundation of a safe and efficient tow truck operation. The process begins with attracting and selecting candidates with the necessary technical skills and the right attitude and mindset for the job. When it comes to hiring, you should never make quick decisions or hire people “just to fill seats.” This is one of the most critical investments you make in your company, so taking the time to recruit and hire the best employees will make all the difference in reducing risk and achieving success.
When you’re recruiting potential employees, here are four key attributes you should look for:
1. Technical Competence: Proficiency in operating tow trucks and handling various types of vehicles. This includes everything from driving ability to licensing, certification, and driving record.
2. Safety Awareness: A strong understanding of safety protocols and a commitment to adhering to them. Your employees should understand and be committed to conducting themselves and completing their work to the highest safety standards.
3. Customer Service Skills: The ability to interact with customers in stressful situations calmly and professionally. Employees should be friendly, compassionate, and professional at all times.
4. Problem-Solving Abilities: You know that no two days are the same in your industry. Drivers get themselves into all kinds of precarious situations. Your employees must have quick thinking skills and the ability to handle any situation.
Comprehensive Screening and Background Checks
One of the most critical aspects of best-of-breed hiring practices is conducting thorough background checks. This includes verifying previous employment, checking driving records, and conducting criminal background checks. Ensuring that candidates have clean records and a history of responsible behavior is crucial in minimizing risks.
Many State and Federal laws regulate how background checks are conducted and what an employer may consider as part of the evaluation process. It may be best to hire a professional background check organization to handle the process for you. Here are some of the aspects included in quality background checks:
- Driving Records: Given the nature of the job, a clean driving record is non-negotiable. A history of traffic violations or accidents can be a red flag indicating potential future risks.
- Criminal Background Checks: While a criminal record doesn’t automatically disqualify a candidate, assessing the nature of past offenses is essential. Crimes related to violence, theft, or substance abuse can pose significant risks to the safety and security of the business.
- Employment Verification: Contacting previous employers can provide valuable insights into a candidate’s work ethic, reliability, and overall suitability for the role.
After They Join Your Team
While great hiring practices lead to enhanced safety, you can’t just stop there. You’ll rarely hire an individual who is a consistent star performer out of the gate. Instead, it’s up to you to hire the best individuals you can and then further develop them to meet your standards for service and performance. Here are some things you can do to support your team members to get the most from their performance:
Rigorous Training Programs
Even the most skilled tow truck operators need continuous training to stay updated on industry best practices and safety protocols. A robust training program should provide continuous training opportunities for operating vehicles, safety procedures, emergency response protocol and first aid, and customer service skills. A well-trained workforce will proactively follow safety protocols and are more likely to keep equipment in good condition.
Fostering a Safety-First Culture
Creating a culture that prioritizes safety is crucial. This culture should be evident from the top down, with leadership demonstrating a commitment to safety and encouraging employees to do the same. Key elements include:
1. Regular Safety Meetings: Hold frequent meetings to discuss safety concerns, review incidents, and share best practices. OSHA likely requires you to conduct these and follow reporting procedures based on the size of your organization. Use this as an opportunity to improve safety practices, not just check the box to meet OSHA compliance.
2. Incentive Programs: Rewarding employees who consistently adhere to safety protocols and exhibit safe behaviors.
3. Open Communication: Encouraging employees to report safety hazards and near-misses without fear of retaliation. Be vigilant because sometimes employees fail to report accidents or hazards to receive incentives in safety-first programs. You must balance incentive programs with encouraging employees to report issues and accidents.
Optimizing Technology
Incorporating technology into the hiring and operational processes can further enhance safety and security. Tools such as GPS tracking, dashcams, and real-time communication systems can provide valuable data and insights, helping to monitor and improve driver behavior. It’s a good idea to hire individuals who feel comfortable using modern technology and software or already have experience with it. Some examples include:
- GPS Tracking: Allows for real-time monitoring of vehicle locations, ensuring that drivers follow designated routes and adhere to speed limits.
- Dashcams: Provide visual evidence in case of accidents or disputes, promoting accountability and transparency.
- Communication Systems: Facilitate instant communication between drivers and dispatchers, enabling quick responses to emergencies and resource coordination.
Collins is Your Partner for Workplace Safety
We don’t just make great towing equipment–we manufacture towing equipment that makes it safer for your drivers to do their jobs and reduces the risk of damage to the vehicles they tow. We’ve worked side-by-side with leaders in the towing industry for decades, and we’ve implemented feedback throughout that time to come up with the highest-quality product to meet the needs of our clients. If you’re focused on providing the best service to your clients with the safest equipment on the market, visit us at www.collinsdollies.com.
Our Hi-SpeedⓇ Dolly and Carrier Dolly systems provide towing professionals with lightweight solutions durable enough to lift even large vehicles out of challenging situations and transport them safely wherever they need to go. Our products are designed with safety in mind to keep your employees safe while attaching and moving vehicles. Visit our website or call us to learn more about our products.
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