How We Do It: Sept. 2000, Fleet Safety at J.R. Thomas Landscaping

Safety has always been a priority at J.R. Thomas Landscaping. Until a few years ago, however, we had no formal safety program in place. The company decided this was insufficient and implemented an ongoing safety program.

First, we consulted with other contractors. Referring to parts of their manuals that pertained to our operation, we compiled our safety manuals – one for safety and health and one for fleet safety.

Employees receive copies of the manuals for their records. They also sign that they have read and understand the content and purpose of the safety manuals, and this signature page is stored in their personnel files.

We hold safety meetings on a weekly basis where the basics of working safely are emphasized. We believe that if a company demonstrates its total commitment to safety, employees will, in turn, practice that commitment.

A motor vehicle report is generated and reviewed by our insurance agent on any potential company vehicle driver, and anyone not cleared as an authorized driver does not drive a company vehicle. Once our insurance company approves a driver, the operations manager teaches them to drive a truck. Employees can pull trailers only after driving a truck is mastered. Specific trucks also are assigned to specific drivers so they are familiar with their vehicles and can identify potential problems.

Space in our load-out area is limited, so everyone must be aware of equipment location and purpose. The yard can be hectic, so we emphasize awareness. One person directs traffic flow so the load-out process does not stagnate. Each truck has an alarm that sounds when backing up, and there is always a person behind the truck to help guide the driver.

Before the trucks leave the shop, the drivers walk around them checking for potential problems. They check tire pressure, trailer hookup and make sure equipment is properly strapped down. They also make certain that tools and wheelbarrows are secured and plant material, mulch, soil and compost are covered with a tarp. Lights, brake lights and turn signals also are examined.

Once on the road, the passenger is an extra set of eyes for the driver. We stress keeping a low volume on the radio and being aware of the surrounding traffic. Speed is not as important as safety.

Our crews are trained to report accidents immediately to both the office and police. If a truck breaks down in traffic, we immediately call the local police department to help direct traffic until we can get a tow truck to the scene.

Once we arrive at the job site, safe parking is important. If we know that we’ll be parking on the street, we carry orange safety cones. If we are operating equipment on the street and there are "blind spots" because of other parked vehicles, another crewmember will alert the equipment operator of when it is safe to move. At the end of the workday, the driver circles the truck once more before they leave the job site.

Truck and equipment maintenance is an important factor in fleet safety. Tires are regularly checked for proper inflation and wear. Oils and fluids, headlights, brake lights, taillights and turn signals also are checked regularly. If a defect is discovered, a "trouble report" is written and the errant piece of equipment is removed and serviced immediately.

Our fleet safety rules state: "Success demands philosophy, principles, goals, technical and management support, education and a total commitment from all employees."