For Drivers: Theft Prevention
For Employees: Proper Footwear
TABLE OF CONTENTS Contributors
....................................................................
3
What is Value-Driven® Company? ..................................
4
How to Use This Booklet
................................................ 5
VALUE-DRIVEN® LEADERSHIP ......................... 6
Give Safety a Seat at the Table
..................................... 8
Ask the IT Security Specialist: Cyberattacks .................
9
VALUE-DRIVEN® OPERATIONS ...................... 10
Ask the Safety Rep: Disc Brakes .................................
13
VALUE-DRIVEN® DRIVING ................................ 14
Theft Prevention
.......................................................... 15
Fall Driving Hazards
.................................................... 19
Access Online Resources
............................................ 33
CONTRIBUTORS Scott Claffey Jack Duke Tony Evans
Bubba Fiveash Todd Hosea Leo Hughes
Chris Li Doug Orton
Megan Palacios Laura Saunders
Safety Talk FALL 2021
4 ©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety
Talk FALL 2021.
Value-Driven Company (VDC) is more than just the suite of
industry-leading safety products developed by Great West Casualty
Company. It is a mindset, an operating philosophy. Behind every VDC
product is the belief that an organization’s core values directly
impact employee performance. Values such as honesty, integrity,
professionalism, and protecting life are common themes found in our
products because these values, if shared throughout the
organization, aid in forming the foundation to achieve
organizational excellence. VDC products focus on engaging all
employees in the company’s loss prevention efforts. Each product
targets four key areas, or pillars, within a motor carrier:
Leadership, Operations, Driving, and Life.
Value-Driven® Leadership is intended for owners, CEOs, and other
top-level management and leaders. These products concentrate on
influencing behavior, changing culture, becoming a change agent,
and communicating. Value-Driven Leadership highlights awareness of
this critical role and offers insight into actions leaders can take
to assess and solidify a strong company culture that is value
driven.
Value-Driven® Operations is intended for driver managers,
dispatchers, load planners, sales people, safety directors, and
other key personnel who are involved in day-to-day operations.
These products focus on self- diagnosing and overcoming operational
interruptions, managing risks, fostering stronger communication and
cooperation, and improving overall performance.
Value-Driven® Driving is intended for truck drivers and driver
managers. These products concentrate on the decisions drivers make
behind the wheel and around the truck. They discuss the factors
that contribute to large truck crashes and explore techniques to
help drivers prevent serious losses by applying values-based
decisions to their occupation.
Value-Driven® Life is the final piece, focusing on preventing
workplace injuries as well as promoting health and wellness. These
products are meant for all employees, from drivers and mechanics to
office staff and off-site personnel.
Value-Driven Company is not static. We are constantly adding
products to help support our insureds’ efforts to promote safety
and build a culture that values protecting life, both from a moral
perspective and as a financial strategy. For more information on
Value-Driven Company, please contact your Great West Safety
Representative.
What is Value-Driven® Company?
Leadership Operations Driving Life
©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety Talk
FALL 2021. 5
“Safety Talk” is an award-winning publication designed to address
hazards affecting all areas of trucking operations. The goal is to
educate all employees on their roles in your company’s risk
management efforts and provide ways for them to apply simple loss
prevention techniques to their jobs.
This booklet is divided into four sections: Leadership, Operations,
Driving, and Life. Each section includes an overview that outlines
the target audience for each section as well as three articles or
detachable flyers that can be easily distributed to employees. All
articles are available electronically and can be downloaded by
going to our Secure Portal (www.gwccnet.com) and navigating to the
Value-Driven® Company page.
Our recommendation is to distribute at least one article from each
section of the booklet per month to everyone in the company. To
help measure your progress, we have provided a tracking sheet
located in the back of each booklet to quantify the company’s
participation rate and safety performance based on Safety
Measurement System (SMS) results, OSHA-recordable incidents, near
misses, and loss runs. It is recommended that management review the
tracking sheet results and other performance measures at least
monthly with employees to identify negative trends and devise a
strategy to actively correct these issues.
How you choose to utilize these materials is up to you. We do not
want to tell you how to run your company. If the topics are not
relevant to the types of losses or issues your company is
experiencing at this time, then, by all means, continue focusing
your efforts on those areas and pull this booklet out of your
toolbox at a later time. We encourage you to use these materials in
a way that best suits your operations.
Lastly, each quarter you will find a product spotlight article that
highlights one of Great West’s safety products and services. We
want to make sure you are aware of all the tools we provide to help
support your safety efforts. If you have additional questions or
need help brainstorming ideas on how to incorporate these materials
into your organization, please contact your safety representative,
safety department, or agent for assistance.
How to Use This Booklet
VALUE-DRIVEN®
LEADERSHIP
6 ©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety
Talk FALL 2021.
TARGET AUDIENCE Owners, CEOs, and other top-level management and
leaders.
SUGGESTED USE Distribute one article per month to your leadership
team. Ask all team members to read the article and challenge them
to participate in the “Call to Action” activities.
METRICS At the end of each month, use the tracking sheet in the
back of this booklet to record how many of the “Call to Action”
activities were completed by the company’s leadership team. At the
end of the quarter, calculate the participation rate, discuss the
results, and devise ways to improve, if necessary.
WATER COOLER DISCUSSION After distributing the articles, ask each
person what he/she thought about the topics. Questions to pose can
include:
• Did he/she find the topics relevant to his/her job? • Is there
room for improvement in this area of the organization? If yes, what
can he/she do to help the organization implement such
improvement?
How do you climb a mountain? The answer: One step at a time.
Whether it’s losing weight, building a successful motor carrier, or
any other goal worth pursuing, persistence is key to success. From
a safety standpoint, one performance goal that is put on a pedestal
is achieving zero preventable incidents over a given timeframe.
This may seem like an unattainable goal due to the high-risk nature
of the trucking industry, but it is not. In reality, working a day,
week, month, quarter, or calendar year without experiencing any
type of preventable incident is achievable depending on the path
you choose for your company. That’s right, you, the leader of the
organization. Everything runs downhill, especially your company’s
culture. Employees follow your lead, mimicking your actions,
carrying out your orders, and adopting your values. If zero
preventable incidents is your company’s goal, then you have to walk
the walk and talk the talk to make that happen. Your employees will
adopt whatever culture you create, and if incidents are
acceptable—including the behaviors that lead to incidents—then you
need to choose a different path for your organization.
Successful motor carriers understand that the path to zero
preventable incidents requires persistence: a dogged determination
to continuously improve. If you have gone a month or a year without
an incident, ask yourself why. Was it because you had the
management controls in place to achieve those results, or can it be
chalked up to good fortune? Persistent leaders will analyze
performance data on a regular basis to identify opportunities for
improvement. One tool to help in this area is the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration’s Safety Measurement System (SMS).
Persistently monitoring your company’s results on a monthly basis
may bring to light a negative trend in unsafe driving, maintenance
issues, and Hours-of Services violations. These red flags are also
known as leading indicators, behaviors that commonly lead to
incidents. They are also signs of systemic issues in your
organization, and if you do not take corrective actions, these
issues pose a serious risk to your company.
Another act of persistence is to conduct incident investigations.
While the goal is to prevent incidents from happening, sometimes
you must look back to go forward. Analyzing past incidents and
identifying the root causes may shed light on operational issues
you were not aware of. For instance, loose hiring standards,
ineffective training, and poor communication could have been
factors in past incidents. They might also be the source of future
problems if gone unchecked.
Remember, as the late, great Albert Einstein said, “Insanity is
doing the same thing over and over and expecting different
results.”1 Be persistent in your pursuit of zero preventable
incidents and make the changes necessary to achieve this
goal.
Choose the Path of Most Persistence
CALL TO ACTION • Monitor SMS results regularly for
negative trends.
• Integrate safety into every aspect of the organization.
• Investigate all incidents and near misses.
©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety Talk
FALL 2021. 7
1Retrieved from
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/einstein-s-parable-of-quantum-insanity/.
This material is a broad overview only, provided for informational
purposes. Great West Casualty Company (GWCC) does not provide legal
or employment-related advice to anyone, and this is not intended to
serve as such advice. Such advice should be sought from your legal
counsel. GWCC shall have no responsibility or liability to any
person or entity for any issue alleged to directly or indirectly
result from the use of this information.
8 ©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety
Talk FALL 2021.
Give Safety a Seat at the Table
This material is a broad overview only, provided for informational
purposes. Great West Casualty Company (GWCC) does not provide legal
or employment-related advice to anyone, and this is not intended to
serve as such advice. Such advice should be sought from your legal
counsel. GWCC shall have no responsibility or liability to any
person or entity for any issue alleged to directly or indirectly
result from the use of this information.
One mistake any person in a leadership role can make is to ignore
or fail to realize the value each department brings to the
organization. This can be especially true in siloed organizations
where barriers exist that limit the effectiveness of communication
between co-workers and departments. Barriers can be physical,
cultural, or personal in nature. A physical barrier refers to being
geographically separated, either across the country or even in the
same building. Cultural barriers can include misunderstandings due
to language or customs that may create communication breakdowns.
However, this article speaks to company cultures that create
barriers. As mentioned earlier, siloed organizations impede
interdepartmental communication, whether intentionally or not.
Finally, personal barriers involve individual attitudes and biases.
A person may be reluctant to receive feedback or input from others
for personal reasons. Whatever the case may be, a motor carrier’s
leadership team cannot afford to make mission- critical decisions
without input from every affected department.
Whoever manages your safety and regulatory compliance efforts
should have a seat at the table in every operational meeting
involving department heads. Because transportation is a highly
regulated, high-risk industry, who better to help department heads
achieve their organizational objectives than safety? Preventing
losses and managing risks should be top of mind in every business
decision. If a motor carrier cannot operate safely, it is losing
money. If it is losing money, the company cannot compete, and if
the company cannot compete, it cannot survive. So, regardless of
fleet size and organizational structure, senior management should
view safety as one of the most important keys to the company’s
long-term success.
Here are two examples that show how safety can contribute to the
discussion of trucking-related issues that motor carriers face on a
daily basis.
DRIVER SHORTAGE/RETENTION Screening and selecting drivers requires
due diligence. Making a bad hiring decision can cost a motor
carrier in terms of the dollars associated with crashes/ injuries,
repairs, hiring a replacement driver, and training that person.
Involving your safety team in discussions pertaining to the
company’s hiring and retention standards and road tests can help
identify an applicant’s performance or knowledge gaps that could
lead to problems down the road if the applicant were hired.
NEW BUSINESS Before bringing on new business, consider having
someone from your safety department analyze the risk first. There
could be hazards present that need to be addressed up front. For
instance, what if the truck has to be backed into the facility,
requiring a spotter or traffic control? How good is the location’s
physical security? Is the driver expected to manually handle
freight?
CALL TO ACTION • Include a safety representative in
management-level operations meetings.
• Develop a new business checklist that includes a hazard analysis
by safety.
• Conduct road tests on all drivers.
• Partner with safety to develop the company’s hiring and retention
standards for drivers.
CALL TO ACTION • Train all employees on cyber- security
threats.
• Hire a cybersecurity firm to assess your company’s vulnerability
to cyberattack.
• Develop a company information security policy.
• Implement data security, backup, and recovery protocols.
Ask the IT Specialist
©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety Talk
FALL 2021. 9
WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MY COMPANY FROM CYBERATTACKS? Protecting
your company against cyberattacks is one area of your risk
management strategy that cannot be overlooked. According to
StealthLabs, “A cybersecurity threat is a malicious and deliberate
attack by an individual or organization to gain unauthorized access
to another individual’s or organization’s network to damage,
disrupt, or steal IT assets, computer networks, intellectual
property, or any other form of sensitive data.”1 Examples of
cybersecurity threats facing motor carriers include phishing,
malware, and ransomware through email, cell phones, Wi-Fi, USB, and
Bluetooth connections. Even electronic logging devices are
vulnerable due to their connectivity to law enforcement, vendors,
etc. To help protect your company from cyberattacks, here is a
brief list of actions to consider.
EMPLOYEE TRAINING AND ACCOUNTABILITY Employees are targeted heavily
by cybercriminals, and it only takes one bad click or slip of the
tongue to open the door to thieves. Conduct cybersecurity awareness
training with employees to help educate them on the importance of
this risk and the recognition of and response to potential threats.
Also, do not allow employees to use company computers for personal
business or surfing the web.
DATA BACKUPS Establish a schedule to back up data from computers
and servers to a portable or cloud-based storage. To increase
protection, use strong encryption methods and multi-factor
authentication.
WEBSITE SECURITY Encrypt and secure your company website with a
secure sockets layer (SSL) certificate. Your website’s URL should
have ‘https’ in front of it to show users it is secure. Failing to
do this can deter applicants who may be reluctant to share personal
information on an insecure website.
PASSWORD PROTECTION Three common mistakes computer users make
regarding passwords is that they are too short, they are not
changed regularly, and the same password is used for every online
account. Using a passphrase that is unique and contains unrelated
words is a good start. Also, the passphrase should consist of at
least 14 characters and include a combination of upper- and
lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters.
For additional information on how to protect your business against
cyberattack, go to the Federal Communications Commission website
(https://www.fcc.gov/general/ cybersecurity-small-business) and
download the “Cybersecurity Tip Sheet.”
Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive. 1Retrieved
from:
https://www.stealthlabs.com/blog/cyber-security-threats-all-you-need-to-know/#:~:text=A%20cybersecurity%20threat%20is%20a,other%20form%20of%20sensitive%20data.
This material is a broad overview only, provided for informational
purposes. Great West Casualty Company (GWCC) does not provide legal
or employment-related advice to anyone, and this is not intended to
serve as such advice. Such advice should be sought from your legal
counsel. GWCC shall have no responsibility or liability to any
person or entity for any issue alleged to directly or indirectly
result from the use of this information.
VALUE-DRIVEN®
OPERATIONS
10 ©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety
Talk FALL 2021.
TARGET AUDIENCE Dispatchers, driver managers, load planners,
salespeople, safety staff, and other personnel who have contact
with the driver force.
SUGGESTED USE Distribute one article per month to your Operations
team. Ask all team members to read the article and challenge them
to participate in the “Call to Action” activities.
METRICS At the end of each month, use the tracking sheet in the
back of this booklet to record how many of the “Call to Action”
activities were completed by Operations. At the end of the quarter,
calculate the participation rate, discuss the results with the
leadership team, and devise ways to improve, if necessary.
WATER COOLER DISCUSSION After distributing the articles, ask each
person what he/she thought about the topics. Questions to pose can
include:
• Did he/she find the topics relevant to his/her job? • Does he/she
see room for improvement within himself/herself in this area? If
yes, what does he/she need from the company’s leadership team to be
successful?
Trusting an expensive piece of company equipment and the valuable
cargo inside is an act that should not be taken lightly. Motor
carriers that do not give driver screening and selection due
diligence are at an increased risk of having a newly hired driver
abandon the truck and cargo or aid in their theft. For this reason,
motor carriers should consider conducting background checks to
verify an applicant’s history and identify red flags. Below is a
list of background checks that give employers much-needed
information to make an informed hiring decision. Read each
description and consider how it can aid your loss prevention
efforts.
You should also consult with your attorney prior to conducting any
of the following checks. State law may require you to obtain
express permission from the prospective employee in addition to
meeting other requirements.
CRIMINAL HISTORY Verifying that an applicant has a criminal past
may not eliminate the candidate from consideration, but it
certainly raises a red flag. Running a criminal background check
and comparing it to the application or resume is a good way to see
how forthright and honest the applicant is being with you.
PAST EMPLOYMENT An applicant’s history of job hopping is another
red flag to watch out for. If he or she has demonstrated a pattern
of quitting jobs every few months, chances are the applicant will
do the same with you.
SAFETY PERFORMANCE Running the applicant’s Pre-Employment Screening
Program (PSP) report provides an employer with five years of the
driver’s crash history and three years of roadside inspection data.
PSP is a valuable tool to learn if the driver tends to exhibit
unsafe driving behaviors, even if those behaviors have not led to a
crash.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL Motor carriers must verify a current or
prospective employee’s drug and alcohol violations before
permitting him or her to operate commercial motor vehicles on
public roads. Carriers are required to use the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol
Clearinghouse to conduct queries.
CIVIC HISTORY Similar to past employment, verifying an applicant’s
previous addresses and looking for gaps can raise red flags. For
instance, if a gap of more than one month exists, ask why. Perhaps
the applicant was incarcerated or has another reason.
CREDIT HISTORY An applicant’s credit history can shed light on any
debt or collections issues. If the applicant has money problems,
this should raise a red flag.
Use Background Checks to Prevent Driver Thefts
©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety Talk
FALL 2021. 11
CALL TO ACTION • Conduct criminal background
checks on all applicants.
• Subscribe to the FMCSA’s PSP program.
Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive. This
material is a broad overview only, provided for informational
purposes. Great West Casualty Company (GWCC) does not provide legal
or employment-related advice to anyone, and this is not intended to
serve as such advice. Such advice should be sought from your legal
counsel. GWCC shall have no responsibility or liability to any
person or entity for any issue alleged to directly or indirectly
result from the use of this information.
Safety Road Map Tips for Regulatory Compliance
Successful motor carriers who are subject to federal safety
regulations embrace compliance as part of their overall risk
management strategy. Failure to do so may result in unnecessary
business interruptions (i.e., roadside inspections); preventable
violations, which can damage a company’s reputation; and possibly
monetary fines and penalties. Each of these outcomes has the
potential to decrease revenue, increase expenses, or both,
negatively impacting your bottom line and long-term
sustainability.
For those who are new to the regulations or are looking to
self-assess their compliance efforts, Great West Casualty Company
designed the Safety Road Map to help. In the “Regulatory
Compliance” section are three tasks designed to aid your compliance
efforts. If you have already completed these tasks, that’s great!
Keep at it and look for other ways to improve. However, if you
identify any gaps, consider these resources as you take corrective
action.
1. Use the Motor Carrier Safety Planner. The FMCSA’s Motor Carrier
Safety Planner (MCSP) website provides simple explanations and
templates to help motor carriers understand and comply with federal
safety regulations. In this task are listed a few resources Great
West recommends getting familiar with, such as the free documents
in the Forms Library (ex. driver qualification file checklist and
forms), and the “Carrier Compliance Questionnaire” for conducting a
self-audit.
2. Record all vehicle crashes in an accident register. All
DOT-reportable crashes must be recorded in an accident register.
However, Great West recommends recording all vehicle-related
incidents, not just the DOT reportables. The reason for this is
that it is easy to forget about smaller incidents, like backing
into a loading dock. Out of sight and out of mind, minor incidents
can add up and could be a leading indicator that more serious
incidents are on the horizon. If you would like a free accident
register, please contact Great West and we would be happy to send
you one.
3. Learn more about the DOT regulations and the FMCSA. This task
speaks more to those who are new to the trucking industry and
federal safety regulations. Regulatory compliance can feel
overwhelming, even to those who have been in the industry a long
time. Not knowing what you do not know can also be frustrating.
Three resources are provided: Great West’s Learning Library, the
FMCSA’s New Entrants website, and ETHOS, which is the FMCSA’s
Educational Tool for Hours of Service. Four videos in the Learning
Library are recommended, plus you may find the FMCSA’s New Entrants
and ETHOS websites very helpful.
Note: Completing these three tasks is voluntary and does not
constitute compliance with all of the regulations. These tasks are
meant to assist you as you start down the path of compliance.
12 ©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety
Talk FALL 2021.
CALL TO ACTION • Download the “Carrier Compliance
Questionnaire” from the MCSP website and conduct a
self-audit.
• Record all vehicle-related incidents in an accident
register.
• Complete the third task in the Regulatory Compliance section of
the Safety Road Map.
This material is a broad overview only, provided for informational
purposes. Great West Casualty Company (GWCC) does not provide legal
or employment-related advice to anyone, and this is not intended to
serve as such advice. Such advice should be sought from your legal
counsel. GWCC shall have no responsibility or liability to any
person or entity for any issue alleged to directly or indirectly
result from the use of this information.
CALL TO ACTION • Assign drivers Learning Library training videos on
brake inspections.
• Measure the number of preventable equipment violations and take
corrective actions.
• Hold drivers and mechanics responsible for preventable equipment
violations.
Ask the Safety Representative
©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety Talk
FALL 2021. 13
1Retrieved from
https://www.fleetequipmentmag.com/hard-braking-considerations-disc-or-drum/#:~:text=The%20main%20strong%20point%20for,drum%20brakes%2C%20
depending%20on%20speed.&text=Compared%20to%20disc%20brakes%2C%20drum,replacements%20in%20a%20given%20period.
This material is a broad overview only, provided for informational
purposes. Great West Casualty Company (GWCC) does not provide legal
or employment-related advice to anyone, and this is not intended to
serve as such advice. Such advice should be sought from your legal
counsel. GWCC shall have no responsibility or liability to any
person or entity for any issue alleged to directly or indirectly
result from the use of this information.
WHAT ARE THE SAFETY ADVANTAGES OF USING AIR DISC BRAKES? Air disc
brakes (ADB) are now standard for many new trucks built after 2018
and can be ordered on either the steer or drive axles, or both. ADB
can also be ordered for most trailer types. From a safety
standpoint, ADB can help reduce the risk of rear-end crashes.
According to Fleet Equipment Magazine, “The main strong point for
disc brakes (over drum brakes) is reduced stopping distance. With
disc brakes, that distance can be anywhere from 17% to 33% shorter
than drum brakes, depending on speed.”1
Other advantages of using ADB include: • No brake fade caused by
heating up the brakes due to excessive usage. • Generally less
maintenance, although not maintenance-free. • No
slack-adjuster-related “out of adjustment” violations from roadside
inspections. • Longer life before replacement. • Use of a
caliper/pad mechanism, compared to the lining/drum/S-cam mechanism
found on drum brakes.
Consider the type of operation you run before choosing the
equipment to best fit your needs.
WHAT CAN I DO TO TRAIN MY DRIVERS ON BRAKE-RELATED VIOLATIONS? Try
Great West Casualty Company’s Learning Library. Here are some short
videos to help you address this topic:
• CSA Minutes > Failure to Conduct a Pre-trip Inspection • CSA
Minutes > Inoperative/Defective Brakes – 393.48(a) • Equipment
& Maintenance Violation Prevention > Pre-Trip Approach and
Maintenance • Equipment & Maintenance Violation Prevention >
Pre/Post-Trip Component Inspection • Equipment & Maintenance
Violation Prevention > Roadside Vehicle Inspection
Cheatsheet
Note: This list is not intended to be all-inclusive.
VALUE-DRIVEN®
DRIVING
14 ©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety
Talk FALL 2021.
TARGET AUDIENCE Truck drivers, driver trainers, and driver
managers.
SUGGESTED USE Distribute one article per month to your drivers and
challenge them to read the article and reflect on the hazards and
loss prevention techniques presented. Afterward, reinforce the
material by assigning each driver the “Test Your Knowledge”
activity. Instruct drivers to turn the completed activity into
management so the training can be documented.
SAFETY CONTESTS The “Test Your Knowledge” activities are great for
safety contests. When drivers turn in the activity, put the names
of those who finished it correctly in a prize drawing. At the end
of the month, rotate having senior leaders in the company announce
the winners. Make it fun, and be as creative as you like!
METRICS Each month, fill out the “Value-Driven Driving” section of
the tracking sheet located in the back of this booklet. Determine
if the participation rate and safety performance results reflect
the goals the company has set for itself. Discuss the results with
the leadership team and devise ways to improve, if necessary.
WATER COOLER DISCUSSION After distributing the articles, ask
drivers what they thought about the subject, the hazards, and the
defensive techniques discussed. Questions to pose can
include:
• Did they find the topics relevant to their jobs? • Can they
relate to the “A Driver’s Story” testimonies? • What can they do to
help avoid a loss?
©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety Talk
FALL 2021. 15
Theft Prevention
Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive. This
material is a broad overview only, provided for informational
purposes. Great West Casualty Company (GWCC) does not provide legal
or employment-related advice to anyone, and this is not intended to
serve as such advice. Such advice should be sought from your legal
counsel. GWCC shall have no responsibility or liability to any
person or entity for any issue alleged to directly or indirectly
result from the use of this information.
Equipment and cargo thefts are a constant risk for motor carriers.
Thieves are always on the prowl, looking for easy targets. Read the
information below and ask yourself if there are actions you can
take to protect yourself from being a victim of theft.
OTHER THEFT PREVENTION TIPS
RECOGNIZE THE HAZARDS
BE VIGILANT Cargo theft could happen any time or anywhere, so be
proactive and be mindful of your surroundings, especially over
weekends and holidays. The longer you remain parked in one area,
the easier it is for thieves to target you.
CONDUCT VEHICLE INSPECTIONS A pre-trip vehicle inspection should be
performed before each day and at every stop. Verify that seals and
padlocks are secure and untampered.
REPORT THEFTS IMMEDIATELY If you are the victim of theft, report it
immediately. Follow your company guidelines on notifying your
employer, the police, and insurance company. The more quickly the
theft is reported, the faster the response to recover the equipment
and cargo.
ENVIRONMENT Hauling freight into known hot spots for cargo thieves
is one hazard truck drivers should be mindful of. Dimly-lit and
unfenced locations, parking areas without surveillance cameras,
truck stops, and public rest areas are common hubs for cargo
thieves.
EQUIPMENT Trailer doors that are not sealed and padlocked are ripe
targets for thieves. Likewise, stepping away from an idling truck
for too long or not using a king pin lock to secure a dropped
trailer increases the risk of theft.
PERSONAL BEHAVIORS Discussing cargo with strangers can invite
would-be thieves to hijack your load. Additionally, failing to lock
the truck when away, not conducting a pre-trip inspection, and a
general lack of awareness of one’s surroundings can increase the
risk of theft.
KNOW THE DEFENSE
• Fuel the truck before picking up a load so you do not have to
stop immediately after getting underway. • Back the trailer against
a wall or loading dock when parking to prevent access. • Do not
discuss your cargo or destination in public or with strangers. •
Use theft prevention tools such as a king pin lock, glad hand lock,
seals, and padlocks to secure trailers.
16 ©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety
Talk FALL 2021.
A truck driver was heading north on NV-375 near Rachel, Nevada,
hauling a dry van trailer full of baby formula. He had just picked
up his load and decided to stop for fuel and dinner before it got
dark outside. The driver found a roadside diner known for its
out-of-this-world menu and parked behind the building in a gravel
lot. After finishing his meal, the driver pulled up to the fuel
island. He began filling the tank when a fellow truck driver
approached and told him his trailer doors were open. Confused, the
driver ran to the back of the truck and discovered the trailer seal
and padlock had been cut off. He looked inside and found several
empty pallets. The driver reported the incident immediately to his
dispatcher, who called the police and insurance company.
Name: ___________________________________
1. Talking about your cargo openly with a stranger does not
increase your risk of theft. A. True B. False
2. Which of the following devices can help prevent cargo theft? A.
Seals B. Padlocks C. King pin locks D. All of the above
3. Conducting a vehicle inspection before each trip, during every
stop, and after you arrive is a good way to ensure cargo theft
measures are in place and not tampered with. A. True B. False
4. All of the following are hazards that increase the risk of cargo
theft EXCEPT: A. Leaving the cab unlocked. B. Forgetting to use a
seal and padlock on the trailer doors. C. Backing the trailer
against a wall or loading dock to prevent access while parked. D.
Hauling freight to cargo theft hotspots around the country.
5. As soon as you realize you are the victim of equipment or cargo
theft, you should report it immediately. A. True B. False
Answers can be found on p. 35. This material is a broad overview
only, provided for informational purposes. Great West Casualty
Company (GWCC) does not provide legal or employment-related advice
to anyone, and this is not intended to serve as such advice. Such
advice should be sought from your legal counsel. GWCC shall have no
responsibility or liability to any person or entity for any issue
alleged to directly or indirectly result from the use of this
information.
Theft Prevention
A DRIVER’S STORY
©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety Talk
FALL 2021. 17
Right Turn Squeeze Crashes A right turn squeeze crash can occur
when a truck driver starts to make a right turn and leaves too much
space between the truck and the curb. A vehicle behind may mistake
this maneuver as the truck changing lanes and try to pass on the
right. When the truck then turns right, a collision can occur with
the vehicle while the vehicle is in the truck’s blind spot. 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 right
turn squeeze crash.
ENVIRONMENT Small intersections can make it difficult to perform a
right turn. Also, vehicles that extend into the intersection,
creating less room for the truck, are hazards. Pedestrians standing
close to the curb are at risk if the truck jumps the curb.
EQUIPMENT A truck with inoperable turn signals creates a hazard.
Also, a truck without fender- or hood-mounted mirrors can hinder
the truck driver’s ability to manage the space around the truck.
Likewise, any mirrors misaligned or obstructed in any way can
increase the risk of a right turn squeeze crash.
PERSONAL BEHAVIORS Bad driving techniques, such as failing to
signal a turn, crossing lane dividers, and failing to keep the rear
of the trailer close to the curb may cause a right turn squeeze
crash. Also, failing to use the mirrors, entering a turn too fast,
driving while distracted, and poor route planning are additional
hazards.
PLAN AHEAD • Plan your route in advance and identify potential
hazards, like challenges entering a facility.
• Keep mirrors properly aligned and make adjustments during stops.
• Conduct a pre-trip vehicle inspection to ensure lights and turn
signals are working properly.
MAKE A PROPER RIGHT-HAND TURN • Maneuver the truck into the
far-right lane well in advance of the turn. • Activate the right
turn signal to alert other drivers of your intention. • At the
intersection, ensure there is ample space to complete the
right-hand turn. Watch for hazards, such as pedestrians or
vehicles. If the turn cannot be made due to a lack of space, wait
for traffic to clear, or move on to a safer location. • Do not
swing the truck left into the adjacent lane. • Keep the rear of the
trailer as close to the curb as possible. This prevents vehicles
behind your truck from seeing an open lane ahead and attempting to
pass on the right.
• If you run out of space while making the turn, do not back up.
Wait for traffic to clear and then complete the turn. If backing is
the only option, get out of the truck and find someone to assist
with traffic control.
RECOGNIZE THE HAZARDS
Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive. This
material is a broad overview only, provided for informational
purposes. Great West Casualty Company (GWCC) does not provide legal
or employment-related advice to anyone, and this is not intended to
serve as such advice. Such advice should be sought from your legal
counsel. GWCC shall have no responsibility or liability to any
person or entity for any issue alleged to directly or indirectly
result from the use of this information.
KNOW THE DEFENSE
18 ©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety
Talk FALL 2021.
Right Turn Squeeze Crashes
A truck driver was traveling on a four-lane city street in the
far-right lane. As she neared her turn to deliver a load of dog
food to a local pet store, the driver activated her turn signal.
Mindful of a van directly behind her, the driver made her right
turn, keeping the back of the trailer as close to the curb as
possible. The right turn was tight, but the truck driver managed to
perform the maneuver flawlessly. She completed her delivery on
time.
Name: ___________________________________
1. If oncoming traffic prevents you from making a right turn, it is
best to back up and start again. A. True B. False
2. Which of the following is NOT a hazard that can increase the
risk of a right turn squeeze crash? A. Vehicles passing on the
right B. Rear of the trailer too far away from the curb C.
Activating the turn signal D. Oncoming traffic
3. Being aware of the vehicles and pedestrians around the truck at
all times is called _______________. A. Safety Measurement System
B. Get Out And Look (GOAL) C. Space management D. Lean and
Look
4. Pedestrians standing near the curb pose a serious hazard when
negotiating a right turn. A. True B. False
5. Which of the following can help reduce the risk of a right turn
squeeze crash? A. Fender-mounted mirrors B. Turn signals C. Proper
technique D. All the above
Answers can be found on p. 35. This material is a broad overview
only, provided for informational purposes. Great West Casualty
Company (GWCC) does not provide legal or employment-related advice
to anyone, and this is not intended to serve as such advice. Such
advice should be sought from your legal counsel. GWCC shall have no
responsibility or liability to any person or entity for any issue
alleged to directly or indirectly result from the use of this
information.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Fall Driving Hazards
©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety Talk
FALL 2021. 19
REDUCED VISIBILITY Fall brings shorter days and reduced visibility
while driving. This can affect your depth perception, sensitivity
to oncoming headlights, visual acuity, and color recognition.
Driving tips to consider: • Avoid driving in the dark when
possible. • Keep windows and mirrors clean. • Slow down to increase
perception and reaction times. • Be aware of potential state
requirements to turn headlights on when windshield wipers are
on.
FARM EQUIPMENT Truck drivers encounter farm equipment on roads more
during harvest season. Farm equipment is slow-moving and difficult
to see around. They have fewer lights and may not have warning
triangles or reflectors, making them less conspicuous. Farm
equipment drivers are known to make sudden movements off-road or
into fields. When encountering an oncoming, extra-wide farm vehicle
straddling the center line, remember, it cannot easily make room.
Proceed with caution, and consider the following driving tips
around farm vehicles: • Watch for highway warning signs indicating
a farm crossing. • Slow down to avoid a rear-end crash. • Be
patient and do not pass unless it is safe and legal to do so. •
Avoid distractions and be vigilant toward the appearance of farm
equipment in agricultural areas.
BACK TO SCHOOL Be mindful of school zones, bus stops, and buses on
the roadway, especially in rural areas. Also, look out for parents
dropping off and picking up children. Driving tips to consider: •
Slow down and obey all traffic laws. • Avoid distractions (i.e.,
texting/talking on the phone, which may be illegal in school
zones). • Use an alternate route to avoid school zones.
ANIMAL STRIKES Fall brings an increase in deer activity and other
animals crossing roads. • Avoid distractions and be attentive to
the road ahead. • Slow down to increase perception and reaction
times. • Do not swerve out of your lane; hit the animal, if needed,
to avoid losing control of the truck.
ADVERSE WEATHER Wet leaves, frost, and freezing rains can make the
road slippery and affect the truck’s stopping distance. Safe
driving tips to consider are: • Slow down and increase following
distance. • Ensure tires have proper tread depth. • Keep brakes
properly adjusted.
Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive. This
material is a broad overview only, provided for informational
purposes. Great West Casualty Company (GWCC) does not provide legal
or employment-related advice to anyone, and this is not intended to
serve as such advice. Such advice should be sought from your legal
counsel. GWCC shall have no responsibility or liability to any
person or entity for any issue alleged to directly or indirectly
result from the use of this information.
Driving in the fall creates a new set of seasonal risks for
drivers. From shorter days to increased road obstacles, drivers
need to be on guard for fall-related hazards and know how to
prevent a crash. Read the information below about various fall
driving hazards and decide how you can improve your driving
techniques.
20 ©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety
Talk FALL 2021.
A truck driver was traveling through western Kentucky on a rural
road. It was a brisk day in early October. The skies were clear,
but the roads were wet and covered with fallen leaves. The truck
driver was heading west towards Bowling Green, Kentucky, when he
came upon a slow-moving, extra-wide farm tractor. The tractor was
straddling the center line with the right-side wheels on the
shoulder. The truck driver wisely slowed down and turned on his
hazard lights. With a steady stream of oncoming traffic, he did not
intend to attempt to pass the tractor. Settling in behind the
tractor, the truck driver patiently waited for the tractor to turn
off the road. The delay was less than two minutes, and the truck
driver was soon back up to speed, continuing his route.
Name: ___________________________________
1. Which of the following are hazards associated with farm
equipment on roads? A. They are slow moving. B. They are
inconspicuous. C. They are oversized and difficult to see around.
D. All of the above
2. When entering a school zone, slow down, obey all traffic laws,
and be on the lookout for children. A. True B. False
3. It is better to hit an animal blocking the road than to take
evasive action, risking losing control of the vehicle and
potentially upsetting the truck.
A. True B. False
4. All of the following are seasonal hazards found primarily during
the fall months EXCEPT: A. Farm equipment on the road during
harvest season. B. Increased traffic in school zones. C. Snow
removal equipment. D. Deer strikes during hunting and mating
season.
5. Driving at night can affect your depth perception, sensitivity
to oncoming headlights, visual acuity, and color recognition.
A. True B. False
Answers can be found on p. 35. This material is a broad overview
only, provided for informational purposes. Great West Casualty
Company (GWCC) does not provide legal or employment-related advice
to anyone, and this is not intended to serve as such advice. Such
advice should be sought from your legal counsel. GWCC shall have no
responsibility or liability to any person or entity for any issue
alleged to directly or indirectly result from the use of this
information.
Fall Driving Hazards
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
ANNUAL SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT WEBINAR
Continuing with last year’s online format, we will again be holding
this year’s Annual Safety and Risk Management Seminar as a series
of informative webinars during the dates of October 26-28,
2021.
At this year’s event, we will discuss some of the industry’s most
pressing issues and provide updates on new and pending regulations.
Both parts of this two-part webinar will be offered multiple times
so that you can pick the date and time that best suits your
schedule. Registration for this FREE event is limited, so please
register now. Visit http:// www.gwccnet.com/safety2021 to register
and learn more. If you have questions, contact your Great West
agent or safety representative.
GREAT WEST CASUALTY COMPANY’S
ANNUAL SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT WEBINAR
VALUE-DRIVEN®
LIFE
22 ©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety
Talk FALL 2021.
TARGET AUDIENCE Office staff, mechanics, material handlers, and
drivers.
SUGGESTED USE The “Value-Driven Life” section contains three
articles, each covering a topic that applies to all employees.
Distribute one article per month to employees and encourage them to
read the article and reflect on the hazards presented and
recommended loss prevention techniques. Afterward, reinforce the
material by assigning each person the “Test Your Knowledge”
activity. Instruct them to turn the completed activity into
management so the training can be documented. Be aware that in
certain editions of “Safety Talk,” there could be three
“Value-Driven Life” articles that cover the same topic but are
intended for different audiences, such as drivers, mechanics, and
office personnel. In this case, distribute the appropriate article
to the target audience.
SAFETY CONTESTS The “Test Your Knowledge” activities are great for
safety contests. For example, when drivers turn in their
activities, put the names of those who finished it correctly in a
prize drawing. At the end of the month, rotate having senior
leaders in the company announce the winners. Make it fun, and be as
creative as you like!
METRICS Each month, fill out the “Value-Driven Life” section of the
tracking sheet located in the back of this booklet. Determine if
the participation rate and safety performance results reflect the
goals the company has set for itself. Discuss the results with the
leadership team and devise ways to improve, if necessary.
WATER COOLER DISCUSSION After distributing the articles, ask
drivers what they thought about the subject, the hazards, and
defensive techniques discussed. Questions to pose can
include:
• Did they find the topics relevant to their jobs? • Can they
relate to the “A Lesson Learned” section of the article? • What can
they do to avoid work-related injuries?
Safety Talk FALL 2017 23©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All
rights reserved. Safety Talk FALL 2021. 23
Wearing protective footwear while working around the truck can help
prevent injuries. From avoiding slips, trips, and falls to
protecting against objects rolling onto or penetrating your feet,
proper footwear is an essential piece of personal protective
equipment. Improper footwear can also be uncomfortable and lead to
calluses, ingrown toenails, etc. Read the information below and ask
yourself how you can better protect yourself and your feet from
injury.
PROTECTIVE FOOTWEAR FOR TRUCK DRIVERS (DO’S & DON’TS) • Do –
Wear footwear that meets any company- or customer-specific policy.
• Do – Wear footwear with slip-resistant soles when working around
the truck. • Do – Wear footwear with steel toes when working around
the truck. • Do – Wear footwear made of material that can prevent
punctures. • Do – Wear footwear that provides ankle support. • Do –
Wear footwear appropriate for the conditions (i.e., snow, heat,
etc.). • Don’t – Wear shoes like sneakers, cowboy boots, or sandals
that have no traction on the sole. • Don’t – Wear damaged shoes
that need to be repaired or replaced.
FINDING THE RIGHT FIT • Lace and tie your shoes so that shoes fit
closely around the heel and ankle. • Leave at least a thumb’s width
of space in the toe box so your toes have plenty of room. • Allow
extra room for heavy socks and arch supports. • Walk around in the
shoes to check for proper fit and comfort.
FOOTWEAR MAINTENANCE • Apply a water-resistant coating, if
necessary. • Inspect your footwear regularly for signs of wear and
tear. • Repair or replace any damaged footwear immediately.
CARING FOR YOUR FEET • Wash your feet daily with soap and water,
and dry them thoroughly. • Treat athlete’s foot, blisters,
discolored nails, and other foot problems immediately. • Bring a
backup pair of shoes on trips for emergencies. • Do not share shoes
or pedicure tools with others. • Examine your feet daily for
problems or changes in appearance. • Roll a tennis ball under your
feet to relieve tension. • Use foot powder if needed to keep feet
dry. • Trim your toenails regularly. • Always wear clean socks. •
Massage your feet regularly.
Footwear
Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive. This
material is a broad overview only, provided for informational
purposes. Great West Casualty Company (GWCC) does not provide legal
or employment-related advice to anyone, and this is not intended to
serve as such advice. Such advice should be sought from your legal
counsel. GWCC shall have no responsibility or liability to any
person or entity for any issue alleged to directly or indirectly
result from the use of this information.
It was a beautiful fall morning when a long-haul truck driver awoke
in his sleeper berth. He had an hour to clean up and have breakfast
before hitting the road. After grabbing his grooming kit, he threw
on his sandals as he prepared to exit the truck. Still blurry-eyed,
the driver climbed out of the cab with his grooming kit in hand.
The driver’s foot slipped on the wet tractor steps because his
sandals had no traction. He lost grip with his one hand and fell to
the ground, landing on his back and hitting his head. Fortunately,
someone happened by and found him soon after. He was rushed to the
hospital and treated for a slipped disc in his back, plus abrasions
and a concussion.
Name: ___________________________________
1. Protective footwear for working around the truck includes all of
the following EXCEPT: A. Slip-resistant soles B. Steel toes C.
Ankle support D. Open-toe box
2. Footwear without slip-resistant soles increases the risk of
injury when climbing in and out of the truck. A. True B.
False
3. Which of the following techniques can help you take care of your
feet? A. Wash your feet daily and dry thoroughly. B. Trim your
toenails regularly. C. Wear clean socks. D. All of the above
4. Footwear that appears damaged should be repaired or replaced
immediately. A. True B. False
5. Which of the following types of footwear are inappropriate for
working around the truck? A. Cowboy boots B. Tennis shoes C.
Sandals D. All of the above
Answers can be found on p. 35.
This material is a broad overview only, provided for informational
purposes. Great West Casualty Company (GWCC) does not provide legal
or employment-related advice to anyone, and this is not intended to
serve as such advice. Such advice should be sought from your legal
counsel. GWCC shall have no responsibility or liability to any
person or entity for any issue alleged to directly or indirectly
result from the use of this information.
24 ©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety
Talk FALL 2021.
Footwear
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
A LESSON LEARNED
©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety Talk
FALL 2021. 25
Opening/Closing Trailer Doors Opening and closing trailer doors are
two of the leading causes of work-related injuries for truck
drivers. Read the information below, and ask yourself if there are
actions you can take to protect yourself from harm.
ENVIRONMENT High winds can catch a swinging trailer door while you
are holding it and cause back or shoulder strains. The door could
also hit you with great force. Potholes, ice, mud, and uneven
ground around the rear of the trailer can also lead to slips,
trips, and falls when opening or closing trailer doors.
EQUIPMENT Cargo could shift in transit and fall on a driver if he
or she opens the door carelessly. Doors that are not properly
secured to the side of the trailer can also get caught by the wind
and hit the driver.
PERSONAL BEHAVIORS Hurrying and not using proper door straps are
unsafe behaviors that contribute to injuries. Also, not being aware
of one’s surroundings (i.e., wind direction, slip, trip, and fall
hazards) can also lead to injuries.
OPENING TRAILER DOORS 1. Start by stretching your arms, legs, back,
and shoulders. 2. Ensure there are no obstacles or people that
could prevent opening the doors. 3. Check the wind direction. Be
mindful of the wind’s catching the trailer’s swing doors. 4. Look
for slip, trip, and fall hazards around the trailer. 5. Install
door straps, if available. 6. Stand behind the trailer’s left-side
swing door and feel the right-side door for pressure from fallen
cargo. 7. If there is no pressure, open the right-side door far
enough to peer inside for signs of fallen cargo. Do the same for
roll-up doors. 8. If cargo has shifted, try to close the door and
lock it, then ask for assistance. Do this for roll-up doors also.
9. If cargo falls, get away from the area quickly. Do not attempt
to catch falling cargo. 10. If cargo is secure, open the door
completely and secure it to the side of the trailer. Do not attempt
to catch a swing door if it is caught by the wind. 11. Visually
inspect behind the left-side trailer door. Do not open the door if
fallen cargo is present. 12. If cargo is secure, open the left-side
door and secure it to the trailer.
CLOSING TRAILER DOORS When loading is complete and cargo has been
properly secured: 1. Be aware of your surroundings (i.e., slip,
trip, and fall hazards; forklift traffic; wind direction; etc.). 2.
If the trailer is in the dock well, pull out of the well to level
ground before closing the doors. 3. With rollup doors, close the
door while standing on the dock. 4. With swing doors, pull the
trailer away from dock to provide enough clearance to close the
doors. 5. If door latches are damaged, have them replaced. Do not
use bailing wire and/or bungee cords.
RECOGNIZE THE HAZARDS
Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive. This
material is a broad overview only, provided for informational
purposes. Great West Casualty Company (GWCC) does not provide legal
or employment-related advice to anyone, and this is not intended to
serve as such advice. Such advice should be sought from your legal
counsel. GWCC shall have no responsibility or liability to any
person or entity for any issue alleged to directly or indirectly
result from the use of this information.
26 ©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety
Talk FALL 2021.
Opening/Closing Trailer Doors
A driver working for a mid-sized truckload motor carrier in Kansas
was delivering cartons of milk. The driver was behind schedule due
to delays at the receiver. As soon as a dock was available, the
driver backed in and began unloading. In his haste, however, the
driver did not follow safety procedures for opening the trailer
doors, and rather than using the door strap he had been issued, the
driver proceeded to open the trailer doors without checking first
for fallen cargo. To his surprise, several cartons had shifted in
transit and fell out on top of him. Fortunately, the driver escaped
with only minor injuries, but cartons of milk were damaged, many
spilling open. The receiver refused the load, costing the motor
carrier money and the customer’s trust.
Name: ___________________________________
1. A __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ is a simple and inexpensive tool
attached to the trailer doors that can help protect you from
falling cargo.
2. If high winds catch a swinging trailer door, try to catch it so
it does not damage the trailer. A. True B. False
3. All of the following should be performed before opening trailer
doors EXCEPT: A. Check the trailer for fallen cargo pressed against
the doors. B. Install door straps. C. If cargo starts falling,
brace the door with your body until help arrives. D. Stand behind
one door and open the opposite side enough to see if cargo might
fall out.
4. It is a good practice to stretch your arms, legs, back, and
shoulders before working around the truck. A. True B. False
5. Which of the following hazards might a driver encounter when
opening or closing trailer doors? A. Slip, trip, and fall hazards
B. High winds C. Falling cargo D. All of the above
Answers can be found on p. 35.
This material is a broad overview only, provided for informational
purposes. Great West Casualty Company (GWCC) does not provide legal
or employment-related advice to anyone, and this is not intended to
serve as such advice. Such advice should be sought from your legal
counsel. GWCC shall have no responsibility or liability to any
person or entity for any issue alleged to directly or indirectly
result from the use of this information.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
A LESSON LEARNED
©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety Talk
FALL 2021. 27
Proper Lifting Improper lifting is a common cause of serious back
injuries and could potentially lead to a lifetime of discomfort.
Also, injuries caused by improper lifting could cost you in terms
of lost wages, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and your ability to
enjoy the people and activities you love. Read the information
below, and ask yourself if there are actions you can take to
improve your lifting technique.
PERSONAL BEHAVIORS Most lifting injuries occur as a result of bad
judgment or improper technique. A common error is rushing to lift
an object without sizing up a load first to determine if you are
capable of lifting the object alone. Likewise, failing to stretch
your back, legs, arms, and shoulders beforehand can lead to muscle
strains. Improper technique includes lifting with your back instead
of your legs, making twisting movements to change direction,
failing to use available personal protective equipment, or simply
not asking for help.
PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS A person is at higher risk of injury if he
or she has a pre-existing condition, such as a previous back
injury, degenerative disc disorder, or obesity.
PRE-LIFTING CHECKLIST • Know your limits, especially if you have a
pre-existing condition. • Size up the load and ask for help, if
needed. • Warm up your back, legs, shoulders, and arms with simple
stretching exercises. • Use material handling equipment, if needed.
• Wear personal protective equipment including gloves, proper
footwear, back support harness, etc. • Locate where an object is
going and ensure there is a clear path and room to set it down
safely.
PROPER LIFTING TECHNIQUE
Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive. This
material is a broad overview only, provided for informational
purposes. Great West Casualty Company (GWCC) does not provide legal
or employment-related advice to anyone, and this is not intended to
serve as such advice. Such advice should be sought from your legal
counsel. GWCC shall have no responsibility or liability to any
person or entity for any issue alleged to directly or indirectly
result from the use of this information.
RECOGNIZE THE HAZARDS
Keep your back straight.
Bend your knees (not your waist) and lift with your leg
muscles.
Wear appropriate footwear.
Do not stack boxes if this will obscure your view.
Get a good grip and hold the object close to your body.
Keep your feet shoulder width apart.
28 ©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety
Talk FALL 2021.
Proper Lifting
A driver pulling a dry van trailer arrived at a grocery store to
deliver a load of dry goods. The receiver was a small store, and no
one in the warehouse was available to help unload. The driver
volunteered to help and grabbed a dolly nearby. He began unloading
and was near the end when a box fell off the dolly. Thinking
nothing of it, the driver bent over at the waist to retrieve it. As
he did so, he felt a sharp pain in his back and dropped to his
knees in agony. The driver had aggravated a previous back injury
and was unable to stand on his own. The store attendant witnessed
the incident and rushed to his aid. She contacted the driver’s
employer and explained what happened. The driver was then
transported to the hospital via ambulance. His ruptured disc injury
forced him to be out of work for two months.
Name: ___________________________________
1. Which of the following is not a pre-existing medical condition
that could increase the risk of a back injury? A. Obesity B.
Degenerative disc disorder C. Improper footwear D. Prior back
injury
2. For bulky items, it is safer to try lifting the item first to
test your strength before asking for assistance. A. True B.
False
3. Which of the following can help reduce the risk of injury when
lifting an object? A. Gloves B. Back support harness C. Stretching
D. All of the above
4. Before lifting an object, locate where it is going and ensure
there is a clear path and room to set it down safely. A. True B.
False
5. Which of the following personal behaviors can increase the risk
of injury when lifting an object? A. Hurrying B. Stretching C.
Twisting movements D. Both A and C
Answers can be found on p. 35.
This material is a broad overview only, provided for informational
purposes. Great West Casualty Company (GWCC) does not provide legal
or employment-related advice to anyone, and this is not intended to
serve as such advice. Such advice should be sought from your legal
counsel. GWCC shall have no responsibility or liability to any
person or entity for any issue alleged to directly or indirectly
result from the use of this information.
A LESSON LEARNED
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Tracking Sheet Instructions For each of the four categories (SMS,
Crashes, Injuries, Training), assign a member of the company’s
leadership team to use the tracking sheet to record the company’s
quarterly results.
SAFETY MEASUREMENT SYSTEM (SMS) PERFORMANCE The purpose of this
activity is to set a quarterly goal for the company’s SMS results
and measure if the goal has been met. Answer the questions below
the chart, and discuss results with management.
Instructions 1. Open your internet browser and go to
https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/sms/. 2. In the table below, enter each of
your company’s BASIC measures in the “AUG 31” column. 3. In the
“GOAL” column, enter the score you plan to achieve by NOVEMBER 30,
2021. 4. At the end of each month, enter the motor carrier’s
updated BASIC measures.
Questions 1. Did you achieve your goal for each BASIC measure? If
not, why? 2. Can you identify any positive or negative trends in
your results? If yes, to what do you attribute these trends? 3.
What can be done to improve these results next quarter? 4. What are
your SMS performance goals for next quarter?
APPENDIX Tracking Sheet
©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety Talk
FALL 2021. 29
BASIC AUG 31 GOAL SEP 30 OCT 31 NOV 30 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES &
ALCOHOL
CRASH INDICATOR
DRIVER FITNESS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
VEHICLE CRASH PREVENTION
The purpose of this activity is to track ALL vehicle-related
incidents and measure the company’s monthly and quarterly safety
performance.
Instructions At the end of each month, fill in the chart with the
company’s vehicle crash results. At the end of the quarter, add the
results together for each column and enter the sum in the
“Quarterly Results” field.
*The four Critical Crashes are: Rear-End, Run Under, Lane Change,
and Loss of Control.
Questions 1. Can you identify any positive or negative trends in
the results? If yes, to what do you attribute these trends? 2. What
can be done to improve these results next quarter?
INJURY AND ILLNESS PREVENTION The purpose of this activity is to
track ALL workplace incidents (injuries and illnesses) to measure
the company’s monthly and quarterly safety performance.
Instructions At the end of each month, fill in the chart with the
company’s workplace incident results. At the end of the quarter,
add the results together for each column and enter the sum in the
“Quarterly Results” field.
*See OSHA 300 for the definition of recordable workplace injuries
and illnesses. **Critical Injuries include slips, trips, and falls
as well as injuries caused by lifting, pushing, and pulling.
Questions 1. Can you identify any positive or negative trends in
the results? If yes, to what do you attribute to these trends? 2.
What can be done to improve these results next quarter?
30 ©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety
Talk FALL 2021.
APPENDIX
CRASHES TOTAL
EXPENSES SEPTEMBER
FROM WORK # DAYS
Tracking Sheet (cont.)
TRAINING The purpose of this table is to track the entire company’s
participation in the quarterly Safety Talk activities.
Instructions 1. Each month, distribute one Safety Talk article to
each member of the target audience. For example, all personnel in a
leadership role receive that month’s Leadership article. 2. After
distributing the articles, track the following: • Leadership and
Operations – Place a check mark ( ) next to each “Call to Action”
activity completed. • Driving and Life – Record the number of
quizzes completed vs. the number distributed. 3. At the end of each
quarter, calculate the participation rate for each group.
Questions 1. Is the participation rate for each group acceptable?
2. What can be done to improve these results next quarter?
Notes
SEPTEMBER
Activity 1: ________ Activity 2: ________ Activity 3:
________
OCTOBER
Activity 1: ________ Activity 2: ________ Activity 3:
________
NOVEMBER
Activity 1: ________ Activity 2: ________ Activity 3:
________
Calculate Participation
of (Completed) (Distributed)
of (Completed) (Distributed)
of (Completed) (Distributed)
Tracking Sheet (cont.)
©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety Talk
FALL 2021. 31
Product Spotlight SAFETY ROAD MAP
Great West Casualty Company is proud to announce the release of a
new safety product to help smaller fleets. The Safety Road Map is a
website containing tasks and resources to help small fleet owners
build a foundation of safety and compliance, especially as they
plan to grow their operations.
The Safety Road Map (https://info.gwccnet.com/roadmap) focuses on
four key areas:
LEADERSHIP This section focuses on your role as the company’s
safety champion. There are five tasks to complete and resources to
develop your leadership skills. Completing these tasks can help you
better anticipate the risks that can threaten your company’s
success.
DRIVER SELECTION This section focuses on objectively screening and
qualifying drivers. Collectively, the four tasks and available
resources provided can help you make better-informed hiring
decisions.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE This section focuses on aiding your
regulatory compliance efforts. There are three tasks to get you
started and resources provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration to help you self-assess your operations, identify
compliance deficiencies, and take corrective actions.
LOSS PREVENTION The last section focuses on preventing vehicle
crashes. The first two tasks emphasize conducting regular driver
training. Resources such as Value-Driven® Driving, found in the
Learning Library, and Safety Talk are recommended to communicate
safety to your employees. In the event a crash does occur,
reporting the accident to Great West in a timely manner can help
minimize the loss.
For more information about the Safety Road Map, please contact your
Great West agent or safety representative.
This material is a broad overview only, provided for informational
purposes. Great West Casualty Company (GWCC) does not provide legal
or employment-related advice to anyone, and this is not intended to
serve as such advice. Such advice should be sought from your legal
counsel. GWCC shall have no responsibility orliability to any
person or entity for any issue alleged to directly or indirectly
result from the use of this information.
32 ©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety
Talk FALL 2021.
APPENDIX
APPENDIX
LEARNING LIBRARY The Learning Library contains over 350 safety
videos, which can accessed 24/7 using an internet-ready device,
such as a PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Insureds are
encouraged to share their Learning Library user name and password
with employees. Employees can only watch videos; they cannot make
edits or view the company’s sensitive policy information while
logged into the Learning Library.
LOGIN INSTRUCTIONS 1. Open your internet browser and go to
www.gwccnet.com.
2. Scroll down to the “LEARNING LIBRARY” link in the center of the
page.
3. At the Learning Library home page, enter your User Name and
Password to log in.
• User Name - Enter your primary Great West policy number (Ex.
GWP12345A)
• Password - First-time users enter the temporary password:
greatwest
4. On the Resources page, click the ‘Details’ button to the left of
the resource name to expand the selection.
5. Click the ‘View Resource’ button to start watching the
video.
Note: As soon as you log in, you will be prompted to change your
temporary password. Make the new password easy for all employees to
remember. If you need help logging in, contact Vertical Alliance
Group at 877.792.3866 x300, Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
CST.
SAFETY ROAD MAP The Safety Road Map is an online resource to help
guide motor carriers build a foundation of safety and compliance.
Access to the Safety Road Map is free and does not require login
credentials. Users are encouraged to review each section
(Leadership, Driver Selection, Regulatory Compliance, and Loss
Prevention), and determine if the recommended tasks need to be
completed. Participation is voluntary.
ACCESS THE SAFETY ROAD MAP 1. Open your internet browser and go to
https://info.gwccnet.com/roadmap.
2. Users can also access the Safety Road Map from inside Great
West’s secure portal. • Open your internet browser and go to
www.gwccnet.com. • Click on the “CLIENT LOGIN” link in the upper
right-hand corner, and log in. • On the homepage, find the Safety
Road Map link on the left-hand menu.
Access Online Resources
©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety Talk
FALL 2021. 33
34 ©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety
Talk FALL 2021.
APPENDIX
CLIENT PORTAL The portal is where insureds can view their sensitive
policy information, such as claims, premiums, and driver lists, as
well as additional safety products and services. Unlike the
Learning Library, insureds should not share their portal login
credentials with unauthorized personnel.
LOGIN INSTRUCTIONS 1. Open your internet browser and go to
www.gwccnet.com.
2. Click on the “CLIENT LOGIN” link in the upper right-hand
corner.
3. In the “Email / User ID” field, enter your email or
username.
4. In the “Password” field, enter your password.
5. Click the “Sign In” button.
6. Click on the “Safety Services” button.
REQUEST A SIGN-ON 1. Click the “Request Sign On?” link. 2. Fill in
the required fields. 3. Click the “Submit Request” button.
FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD? 1. Click the “Forgot?” link to the right of
the password field. 2. You can also call our Help Desk at
800.552.9118 for assistance. After submitting your request, you
will receive
an email from Great West with your login information.
GREAT WEST BLOG The Great West Blog is a free resource to receive
timely industry updates and Safety Talk articles emailed directly
to you.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG 1. Open your internet browser and go to
https://blog.gwccnet.com/blog. 2. Click the “Subscribe to our Blog”
button. 3. Enter your email address. 4. Select the notification
frequency. 5. Click the “Subscribe” button.
Access Online Resources
APPENDIX
Value-Driven® Driving THEFT PREVENTION (P. 16) 1. B 2. D 3. A 4. C
5. A
RIGHT TURN SQUEEZE CRASHES (P. 18) 1. B 2. C 3. C 4. A 5. D
FALL DRIVING HAZARDS (P. 20) 1. D 2. A 3. A 4. C 5. A
Value-Driven® Life FOOTWEAR (P. 24) 1. D 2. A 3. D 4. A 5. D
OPENING/CLOSING TRAILER DOORS (P. 26) 1. DOOR STRAP 2. B 3. C 4. A
5. D
PROPER LIFTING (P. 28) 1. C 2. B 3. D 4. A 5. D
Test Your Knowledge Answer Sheet
©2021 Great West Casualty Company. All rights reserved. Safety Talk
FALL 2021. 35
© Great West Casualty Company 2021. The material in this
publication is the property of Great West Casualty Company unless
otherwise noted and may not be reproduced without its written
consent by any person other than a current insured of Great West
Casualty Company for business purposes. Insured should attribute
use as follows: “© Great West Casualty Company 2021. Used with
permission by Great West Casualty Company.”
This material is intended to be a broad overview of the subject
matter and is provided for informational purposes only. Great West
Casualty Company does not provide legal advice to its insureds, nor
does it advise insureds on employment- related issues. Therefore,
the subject matter is not intended to serve as legal or employment
advice for any issue(s) that may arise in the operations of its
insureds. Legal advice should always be sought from the insured’s
legal counsel. Great West Casualty Company shall have neither
liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect
to any loss, action, or inaction alleged to be caused directly or
indirectly as a result of the information contained herein.
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