A Quick Look at Standard Practices in Ensuring Safe and Quality Towing Operations
Operators of towing firms are exposed to various risks whenever their towing crews handle dangerous and life-threatening situations in different occasions. Customers looking for providers of towing services and roadside assistance prefer to choose towing firms that checks out in terms of professionalism and reputation. That is why In order to get the trust of customers, reputable towing organization institute safety programs and adopt standard work-safety policies.
Regularly Obtaining Quality Assurance Certification
The primary concern of the company is to ensure the safety not only of their employees but also of customers. Obtaining a Safety and Quality Assurance Certification regularly, ensures that the towing organization is always up-to-date with new developments and best practices as prescribed by the ISO 9001. The related certificate fosters a sense of accountability in the use of techniques and processes when providing the service requested by every customer.
Setting Up a Driver Selection Program
Setting up a detailed driver qualification program includes clear descriptions about the nature of the job, as well as the responsibilities that come along with the driving occupation. The program must also specify the physical qualities demanded by the job such as sound health, 20-20 vision, and disqualification for any history of substance abuse.
Other qualifications that must be stated include the applicant’s level of education, degree of driving skill, past trainings and driving experience.Checking an applicant’s annual Motor Vehicle Records and pre-employment records are also important as bases for evaluating the applicant’s driving history and practices when matched against the company’s standards and written policies.
Required Training for New Employees Regardless of Experience
Never assume that all applicants have acquired the knowledge and skills for safe and quality operations by having previous work experience. Provide additional training programs based on your company’s own standards of best practices and in accordance with the skills prescribed by the State Towing Association. Operators and key managers are often required to undergo accredited training programs from established organizations like State Towing Associations.
Claims of having driving and operating skills using various types of towing equipment should be tested and evaluated. If the applicant-driver performs satisfactorily in accordance with the company’s written standards, the new driver should be allowed to work under a probationary period of at least 30 days, or the period specified by a labor agreement.
Instituting Policies for the Care and Maintenance of Towing Equipment and Accessories
Introduce programs and policies that inform all workers concerned about the importance of properly operating towing equipment, roadside assistance tools and accessories while on the job, including proper storage and maintenance when not in use. Make certain that all employees concerned follow equipment manufacturer’s recommendations; e.g. when towing san jose vehicles, drivers must make sure the weight does not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating when securing, , booting, winching or loading the vehicle to be towed.
Monitoring if the Towing Crew Practices Safety Measures While Working
Periodically conduct an inspection if the towing crew is following safe practices when responding to calls for towing or roadside assistance. Standard safety practices include:
- Arriving at the site with the right flashing lights on;
- Placing a stalled vehicle in a location that will not block the flow of traffic;
- Using running boards and handrails when in the process of mounting and dismounting vehicle on and off the tow truck;
- Using remote controls on both sides of the vehicles to lessen the operator’s exposure to potential traffic risks;
Providing Towing Crew Members with Personal Protective Equipment
Since the Federal Highway Administration requires the use of color-coded fluorescent safety vests when performing emergency and road operations, towing operators must provide their workers with the appropriate safety vests.
Moreover, in addition to the safety vests, responsible operators should also furnish their workers with personal protective equipment like high visibility, reflective helmets and gloves to minimize safety hazards while at work.