Rising insurance costs have led Cory Home Delivery Service to aggressively expand its safety program, a move that has already saved the fleet about $200,000 in premiums this year. “Safety First! is a win-win effort designed to improve safety procedures to reduce claims and lower insurance costs,” says CEO Joseph Cory Sr.
With deliveries nearing one million during its 2002 insurance year, which began in October 2001, the company reduced the number of accidents by 54%. In July, it had zero chargeable accidents.
The multi-level campaign includes initiatives that reach throughout the entire organization. A safety committee works to reduce and eliminate claims by reinforcing a variety of safety issues with facility and delivery managers on a weekly basis. Bringing all facilities together in a teleconference with senior management and outside safety experts is just one example.
Facility and delivery managers hold weekly meetings with independent contractors to heighten awareness of safety issues such as correct back-up procedures. In addition, independent contractors are evaluated on a regular basis and those involved in backing accidents face severe penalties.
As far as equipment is concerned, daily safety checks are mandatory for all vehicles, with special emphasis on brakes and tires.
