Great West Casualty Company Blog

Apr 28, 2020 11:00:00 AM

Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is a Game Changer

By Great West Casualty Company

Technology is quickly catching up to the trucking industry, and the FMCSA’s new Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is a game changer. On January 6, 2020, drug and alcohol violations for all CDL and CLP drivers began populating the Clearinghouse database, meaning motor carriers are now able to access these records in real-time by querying the Clearinghouse database. This capability is huge for employers, state licensing agencies, and law enforcement personnel because this real-time data makes it more difficult for drivers to conceal their drug and alcohol program violations.

Apr 8, 2020 2:00:00 PM

Preventing CRASHES with Stationary Objects

By Great West Casualty Company

Hitting stationary objects are preventable crashes. The key to preventing such accidents is to recognize the hazards that can lead to a collision with a stationary object and take appropriate defensive measures. Read the information below and ask yourself if there are actions you can take to improve your driving skills and reduce the risk of hitting a stationary object.

Apr 3, 2020 10:00:00 AM

Combatting Substance Abuse

By Great West Casualty Company

Substance abuse involves more than taking illegal drugs. It also includes misusing alcohol, prescription medications, and other legal substances if too much is taken or in the wrong way. Unlike an addiction – which is a disease – individuals can stop abusing substances if they choose to before their unhealthy behavior becomes an addiction or causes serious health problems. Read the information below about commonly abused substances and the health risks each pose. If you feel you might have a substance abuse problem, seek assistance immediately.

Mar 26, 2020 1:15:00 PM

Focus on Mindfulness to Improve Driving

By Great West Casualty Company

With the advent of more and more technologies competing for our attention, it is becoming more difficult for humans to sift through a swarm of distractions and focus on those items that are worth paying attention to. For motor carriers, whose survival hinges on preventing crashes, driver distractions and inattention are not new. They are old enemies. Preaching to drivers to pay attention and focus on the road ahead is nothing new, yet preventable crashes still occur, leaving a motor carrier’s management team members scratching their heads in frustration. One solution, and arguably the solution to the distracted driving problem, is simple mindfulness.

Mar 19, 2020 3:10:00 PM

Congestion, Construction among Spring Driving Hazards

By Great West Casualty Company

Spring has returned for most of the country, which means operations staff should take time to remind drivers of the seasonal risks that come with this time of year. Read about the spring-related driving hazards below and commit to completing the “Call to Action” items at the bottom of the page.

Mar 16, 2020 5:13:11 PM

Ask the Safety Rep: Where Can I Get Low-Cost or Free DOT Compliance Materials?

By Great West Casualty Company

Mar 4, 2020 10:00:00 AM

Know the Hazards of Rollovers

By Great West Casualty Company

Tractor-trailers typically have a high center of gravity, which makes them susceptible to rollover crashes. The key to preventing a rollover is for drivers to be able to recognize the hazards that increase the likelihood of a crash and apply the appropriate defense measures. Read the information below and ask yourself if there are actions you can take to improve your driving skills and reduce the risk of a rollover crash.

Feb 25, 2020 2:45:00 PM

Employee Fatigue is a Risk That Can be Managed

By Great West Casualty Company

Sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and insomnia are just a few sleep disorders that affect all employees, not only truck drivers. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), fatigue is a factor in 13 percent of workplace injuries, and “43 percent of Americans admit they may be too tired to function safely at work.” For motor carriers, a great deal of emphasis is placed on driver fatigue – and rightly so – but fatigue-related crashes and injuries are just part of the risk. Fatigue affects cognitive performance (i.e., short-term memory loss, concentration, etc.), work performance (i.e. decreased productivity, errors, etc.), personal health (i.e., depression, obesity, cardiovascular disease, etc.), and carries financial consequences such as increased health care costs.

Feb 18, 2020 2:00:00 PM

Drug and Alcohol Testing

By Great West Casualty Company

The FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse went into effect on Jan. 6. All drivers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or commercial learner’s permit (CLP) should be aware of how the Clearinghouse will impact them.H ere are some useful facts about the federal drug and alcohol testing requirements. Find more information at https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov.

Feb 11, 2020 3:10:00 PM

Cold Weather Ailments

By Great West Casualty Company

Cold weather can increase a person’s risk of contracting a virus, such as influenza, which can weaken your immune system and make it more difficult for your body to fight off germs. This weakened state can lead to a cold, the flu, sore throat, etc. Read the information below and determine what you can do to better protect yourself from common wintertime ailments.

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