Great West Casualty Company Blog

May 14, 2019 3:00:00 PM

Preventing Rear-End Crashes Today

By Great West Casualty Company

Rear-end crashes typically result in severe losses and can be catastrophic for everyone involved. Preventing rear-end crashes requires drivers to recognize the hazards that increase the odds of a crash, know the defense, and to react properly. Read the information below, and ask yourself how you can improve your vigilance and driving style.

May 7, 2019 3:00:00 PM

Is Your Driver Retention Problem Right in Front of You?

By Great West Casualty Company

The trucking industry focuses a great deal of attention on preventing large truck crashes and workplace injuries, but what about preventable turnover? The shortage of drivers entering the occupation and the fact that an aging workforce is leaving are problems motor carriers must contend with. However, these staffing issues are not to be confused with the causes of driver turnover. Turnover occurs when an employee driver or contractor leaves the company voluntarily or is forced to leave. According to HR Drive, “75% of the causes of employee turnover are preventable.”¹ Whatever the reason for the turnover, there’s a good chance it could have been prevented.

Apr 30, 2019 3:00:00 PM

Choosing the Correct Personal Protective Equipment for the Job

By Great West Casualty Company

If a hazard cannot be removed or reduced to a point it can be considered an acceptable risk, personal protective equipment (PPE) can be used to provide an extra barrier of protection to workers. Keep in mind: PPE does not remove a particular hazard, but it can help to reduce the risk of injury or illness. PPE should always be worn in designated areas where PPE is required. Read the information below, and determine how PPE can better protect you from harm.

Apr 23, 2019 3:00:00 PM

Practical Drift: How Human Nature Causes Policy Failure

By Great West Casualty Company

Policies and procedures are necessary for high-hazard industries like trucking. They add structure and consistency to operations to ensure the highest quality product or service is being delivered. Unfortunately, a lack of oversight by senior management can cause the company’s policies and procedures to deteriorate over time and lead to a phenomenon known as practical drift.

Apr 16, 2019 3:00:00 PM

Managing Space Around Your Truck

By Great West Casualty Company

Managing the space around the truck is challenging. From driving in congested traffic to navigating a crowded parking lot, truck drivers must constantly track the hazards around them to prevent a collision. Read the information below and ask yourself how you can improve your driving style in any of the hazard categories.

Apr 9, 2019 3:00:00 PM

Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

By Great West Casualty Company

Slips, trips, and falls are leading causes of workplace injuries. No matter where you are, hazards may be present that put you at risk of losing traction and slipping, tripping over an object, or falling from an elevated position. Read the information below, and ask yourself if there are actions you can take to protect yourself from a slip, trip, or fall.

Apr 2, 2019 3:00:00 PM

It's Time to Discuss Spring Driving Hazards

By Great West Casualty Company

Winter is nearly in the rearview mirror, which means it is time to start thinking about spring and the unique driving hazards this season brings. The operations staff is crucial to preventing vehicle crashes by being proactive and discussing springtime hazards with drivers and recommending the Essential 7 Driving Techniques as a defense.

Mar 26, 2019 2:59:00 PM

Preventing Road Rage

By Great West Casualty Company

Road rage is a criminal offense that can result in jail time. Road rage occurs when one driver commits an act of violence against another road user, such as a motorist, bicyclist, or pedestrian. An act of violence can include using your vehicle as a weapon, dueling another vehicle in a reckless chase, or getting out of your vehicle and brandishing a weapon with the intent to injure another driver. Rarely is road rage triggered by a single incident. Rather, it is usually the last straw in a long series of stressors. Read the information below to learn how to protect yourself from others with road rage or identify when road rage is an issue for you. If it is, read below for suggestions to help you better control your behavior.

Mar 19, 2019 2:59:00 PM

Is Accident Reporting Your Achilles Heel?

By Great West Casualty Company

There is a misguided belief by some motor carriers that delaying or failing to report claims to their insurers will work in their favor. On the contrary, it can have the opposite effect and cost a motor carrier more in the long run. Regardless of perceived fault, other parties involved in an incident have a legal right to assert a claim. For this reason, delaying or failing to notify your insurer of an incident can hinder its ability to proactively manage a claim and settle it in a fair and timely manner.

Mar 5, 2019 3:00:00 PM

Instilling a Culture That Embraces Fuel Economy

By Great West Casualty Company

Fuel costs have traditionally been the largest line-item expense for motor carriers. According to the American Transportation Research Institute (2017), “[Fuel costs] generally account for approximately 30 to 40 percent of a motor carrier’s cost per mile.”1 If fleet managers want to optimize their operations and reduce costs, they should focus on instilling a culture that embraces fuel economy.

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