For insurance producers, doing business with garbage truck companies is a terrific way to gain new clients. Truck drivers are exposed to many environmental stresses, including weather conditions, the waste they carry, and more, affecting how companies operate. This can be a dangerous job, and drivers must always take safety precautions. If working with garbage collection companies, insurance producers can help prepare their clients for things that could go wrong with these three garbage truck safety tips.
- Safety First, Always
Driving a garbage truck is a busy job that can be dangerous, with long days spent driving around making frequent stops. This safety tip can help garbage truck companies by equipping all drivers with the needed safety gear before they leave.
SWANA, also known as the Solid Waste Association of North America, has a set of guidelines that helps reduce injuries and accidents on the job. Before starting, all drivers should be equipped with PPE such as vests, gloves, hard helmets, and masks. One of the most common rules on the road for all trash hauling companies; no riding on the step if the truck is backing up, moving more than ten mph, or traveling more than ⅕ mile. Ensure drivers do not rush to finish their route and do not use their phones while driving the vehicle. Drivers must follow all speed limits and wear their seat belts.
- Check Trucks Daily
Garbage truck drivers and companies can help mitigate risk by inspecting their trucks for five to ten minutes before going on their route. This is critical to ensuring drivers will have a safe day on the road, and it will make insurance producers happy knowing clients are complying with DOT regulations.
Drivers should walk around their truck to check hydraulics for leaks or drips and inspect tires to avoid flat tire problems. Anything that might be damaged or needs to be repaired should be written down in the pre-inspection process. You want to check all your lights, turn signals, and other electronics are working before you go on the road, so drivers stay visible. Before starting up your engine, drivers should check fluid levels and top fluids off if needed. Start the truck and warm up the engine; drivers should check that linkages are working correctly during this process. After a pre-inspection and warming up of your truck, you are ready to start the day safely.
- Hire Safe Drivers
Garbage truck drivers can face many risks on the job. In this day and age of insurance, your garbage hauling company must hire safe drivers who will always drive cautiously. Hiring knowledgeable drivers will ensure a more efficient route and ultimately better profits for the company. Truck drivers who haul trash deal with heavy traffic and travel long distances, making this dangerous profession even more difficult. There are several hazards that garbage truck drivers should be aware of to reduce accidents while driving. Analyzing your route before you leave, taking regular breaks, staying hydrated, and checking mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes are essential tips for garbage truck drivers to know to be safe on the roads. Hiring safe drivers can reduce your company’s loss and how often you need to use your insurance.
- Drive Cautiously
Drivers need to go at a reasonable speed to navigate their garbage routes safely. A driver is expected to abide by all road rules, but that becomes difficult when ice coats city streets, snow piles up on mountain roads, or other conditions. Drivers need to slow their speed during inclement weather because they might not be able to stop fast enough. On top of that, it’s challenging for drivers to see through icy or rainy windows, particularly during a storm. Drivers should not run red lights or yield signs and be aware of cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists who could be hidden from view. By ensuring drivers are cautious on the road, garbage companies can minimize accidents.
- Stay Aware of Surroundings
Let’s face it – garbage trucks are magnets for rodents and other pests, not to mention items that fell off the truck when it was lifted. It is necessary for garbage truck employees to always inspect their trucks, minimize unnecessary trash or pests, and be aware of their surroundings when picking up trash bags from the curb or back alleys of homes and businesses. Parking your truck in an inconspicuous place is always vital, as well as not letting the truck sit in front of someone’s driveway or block their garage door. For your safety, the ground persons’ safety, and those around you, always drive the truck safely and responsibly. If you are confronted with an upset human or animal, remain calm and do not engage in an altercation, and exit the situation.
- Ensure All Clients Have Garbage Truck Insurance
Due to the constant risk of injury and the possibility of damaging property, all garbage collection businesses require proper insurance. Garbage truck insurance solutions from Prime Insurance can help insurance producers write more business for clients in the garbage business even if they have been denied insurance, had insurance canceled, or have a claims history.
Prime has 40+ years of experience as one of the best garbage truck insurance providers available. We can cover garbage trucks, garbage truck services, garbage truck companies, and garbage truck drivers in many states. We have a hands-on approach, so we learn about their needs and write a complete protection policy for all clients.
There are several benefits to working with Prime Insurance Company, and we’re happy to share them with you! We work hard to prevent unnecessary claims and ensure your clients are covered. Get in contact with us to learn more information by calling 800-257-5590 or emailing info@primeis.com.
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Authored by Rick J. Lindsey, CEO, President, and Chairman of Prime Insurance Company
Rick J. Lindsey hails from Salt Lake City, Utah. He began working in the mailroom of his father’s Salt Lake City insurance firm, getting his introduction to the business that became his lifelong career. Lindsey quickly rose through the ranks while working in nearly every imaginable insurance industry job. As an entrepreneur, specialty lines underwriter, claims specialist, risk manager, and a licensed surplus lines broker, Rick Lindsey is highly skilled in all levels of leadership and execution. As he progressed on his career path, Rick discovered an urgent need for insurers willing to write policies for high-risk individuals and businesses. He was frequently frustrated that he could not provide the liability protection these entities desperately needed to safeguard their assets. He also formed the belief that insurance companies acted too quickly to settle frivolous claims. Lindsey decided to try a different approach. He started an insurance company and became the newly formed entity’s CEO. This opportunity has enabled Rick to fill a void in the market and provide a valuable service to businesses, individuals, and insurance agents who write high-risk business. Prime Insurance also specializes in helping individuals and businesses who live a lifestyle or participate in activities that make them difficult for traditional carriers to insure. If you’ve been denied, non-renewed, or canceled coverage, don’t give up quite yet. Chances are Prime Insurance can help.
