OTA Dispatch Issue 4 2017

36 Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc. Oregon Truck Dispatch SAFETY SAFETY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL If You’re Not Recognizing Your Drivers for Safety Milestones, Someone Else Will By Joe Darby, OTA Director of Safety & Compliance I n trucking, we are all acutely aware of the shortage of safe, professional commercial drivers to keep the wheels rolling and the freight moving. Driver pay and investment in benefits are both on the rise as carriers look for new ways to entice drivers into employment. But beyond that, what can carriers do to keep the skilled drivers they do recruit? One simple step is to recognize and show appreciation for driver’s hard work and dedication to safety. No matter what we do, we all want to feel that our work contributions are appreciated. As 2017 comes to a close, I encourage all of our members to set up a time to review what you are currently doing, both short- and long-term, to recognize drivers for their individual safe driving performance. Some of our members have created strategic, forward thinking and relevant programs. Others, unfortunately, have not taken the opportunity to reinstate programs that were suspended for cost-saving purposes during the last great recession. Each company should take the time to tailor a recognition program that is right for its culture, and is one that drivers will respond to. A good program typically has components that reward safe operation, keeping drivers engaged in reaching shorter term milestones. These can include monthly safe operation awards that are financial, or an item or points system that can be redeemed at a company store. Making it a monthly challenge drives competition to reach short-term goals and keeps the topic of safety as a constant discussion point. Think of this approach as being similar to the concept of frequent flyer miles… except these can actually be used! Be creative, whether it’s offering up a special item each month or compiling points to put toward something of their choice. Long term programs may require a bit more preparation and investment. They usually start out with one year safe operation awards and escalate from there. In terms of tangible rewards, these programs often include items that are exclusive to the drivers who qualify. One suggestion is a jacket that is not available to anyone except the safe drivers who are accident free for one year. The subsequent safe driving years could be marked by additional gift items and a nicely framed certificate. (Helpful Hint—even inexpensive frames can make paper certificates feel much more valuable to the recipient.) Again, be creative, add a personal touch and have a little fun when selecting multi-year awards. In my time, I have seen everything from trips and La-Z-Boy recliners to engraved watches. Of course, the Holy Grail of professional driver recognition is a Million Mile accident-free program or club. My experience with companies who have Million Mile Clubs have been some of the most rewarding for me professionally. Having a planned formal event to celebrate the best of the best drivers shows a company’s overall commitment to safety and gives everyone a chance to join in the festivities. A lot of safe drivers tend to not brag or bring attention to their own accomplishments. After all, driving is just part of the job; however, they certainly appreciate it when their management team does it for them. Just think about your daily commute and doing it for a million miles without incident—then imagine navigating those highways and streets in a commercial vehicle. It is truly impressive that so many of Oregon’s drivers reach this milestone! It can be even the smallest gesture of appreciation makes the difference to a driver who is considering multiple employment opportunities. In such a competitive marketplace, it’s likely that if you don’t take that extra step, that driver may go elsewhere to feel recognized and appreciated. If you have or had a driver recognition program, take time now to review and make sure it’s still relevant in our current driver drought. If you need help building a program, please reach out to me and I will be happy to assist in designing a framework that meets your needs.  Don’t forget to participate in OTA’s Million Mile Club! We like to recognize safe drivers as much as you do! Visit www.ortrucking.org/ million-mile-club for the submission form to sign up your million- mile safe drivers.