When it comes to risk management in the equipment dealer industry, do you know who is making the biggest difference when it comes to maintaining a day-to-day safety culture?
The answer should be everyone. As a business owner you’ve tackled challenges, but have you developed as far as you can in terms of safety?
Consider areas that might need changes or improvements to help your employees and peers be the best they can be. If a preventable loss were to occur, how fast would you be back on your feet? And would you be able to recoup any losses with rising inflation and cost of materials? With constantly evolving hazards, now is the time to take it a step further knowing that from the most senior executive to the newest hire, everyone can participate in risk management.
Leadership Responsibilities
Management should be committed to upholding a culture of safety and risk mitigation across the board. Leading by example can make a big difference for all employees, showing them that from the top-down, it’s important to adhere to safety policies. Consider the following:
• Investing time and resources to implement sound policies and procedures to protect your bottom line.
• Hosting regular trainings on industry-specific safety subjects.
• Giving employees the tools and incentives to take ownership
for their actions.
• Setting clear expectations, rewarding positive behavior, and encouraging open communication.
• Staying up-to-date on current safety topics and regulations.
• Encouraging breaks, providing necessary tools and
equipment, and posting safety signage.
• Hiring the right people.
Employee Responsibilities
Employees play an equally important role. They are on the front lines making sure work gets done in a safe manner, and will be the ones who have the most interaction with potential hazards. Their responsibilities could include:
• Listening to leaders, adhering to current policies, and participating
in training.
• Practicing daily risk management habits, including keeping up with housekeeping and watching for hazards, both digital and physical.
• Leading by example so that new employees see how to work in
a safe manner.
• Wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Reporting to management if they notice risks or unsafe behaviors.
No matter the level of employment, everyone can help manage risk when it comes to keeping your business safe. For more information on how risk management can benefit you, reach out to your local Federated® marketing representative. Federated Insurance® is proud to partner with NAEDA for the benefit of all members.
Article Written by Jerry Leemkuil, equipment dealer specialist for Association Risk Management Services, Federated Insurance Company. For information, write to Jerry at jjleemkuil@fedins.com or call 1-507-455-5507.
This article is for general information and risk prevention only and should not be considered legal or other expert advice. The recommendations herein may help reduce, but are not guaranteed to eliminate, any or all risk of loss. The information herein may be subject to, and is not a substitute for, any laws or regulations that may apply. Some of the services referenced herein may be provided by third parties wholly independent of Federated. Federated provides access to these services with the understanding that neither Federated nor its employees provide legal or other expert advice. All products and services not available in all states. Qualified counsel should be sought with questions specific to your circumstances and applicable laws.
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