Bergen County NJ Employers: Company Driver Good Practices

 

Bergen County NJ Company Driver Safety

Bergen County NJ Company Driver Safety | Bogle Agency InsuranceAll companies large and small that employ anyone to drive for them at any capacity needs to have driver safety protocol and clear driving policies. From the largest trucking company, to the mom and pop pizza delivery shop, the well being of  your business and your bottom line depend on it. A Bergen County NJ company driver safety program is a business necessity.

Driver Agreements

Whether or not your employees drive a company vehicle or their personal vehicle for business purposes in Bergen County or throughout NJ, you need to establish a contract with them regarding vehicle operation. This contract should include an acknowledgement from the driver that they are aware of company traffic safety policies and procedures, any driver performance expectations, vehicle maintenance agreements and a duty to report and moving violations received on or even off the clock.

NJ Motor Vehicle Record Checks

Checking the driving record of anyone that will be driving for the purposes of your business in Bergen County and beyond,  is very important. Screening out any potential future problems will save you time, money and in some cases legal issues. Not only should this be done prior to hiring, but you should also conduct a Motor Vehicle Check periodically for all drivers. Set a company policy that clearly state the number of violations you will allow an employee before they will lose their company driving privileges, and/or be terminated.

Have A Disciplinary Plan

You will need to decide how you will handle the course of action taken after an employee receives a moving violation, or is involved in what is ruled to have been a preventable accident. Many companies choose to enact a points system. the system provides and outline for progressive discipline, should a driver continue to develop a pattern of repeated violations. Once a driver receives a certain amount of points within a specific time frame, a clear protocol for actions will be clearly laid out.

Reward/Incentive Program

Just like the points system for disciplinary action, it’s also good practice to have a points system designed to reward good driving habits as an incentive for employees to maintain high standards. Since safe driving behaviors are a direct contributor to your bottom line, it is worth investing in these types of rewards or bonuses for your employees. While cash bonuses are often a very good incentive, you can also choose to reward your employees with recognition, or special privileges.

Bergen County NJ Driver Training/Communication

Continuing driver safety training with new ideas, or just simple refreshers can produce an amazing benefit. even the most experienced driver can benefit from periodic refresher on safe driving practices and skills. It is too easy to become complacent, especially if you are out on the road every day. Continued training and communication are invaluable tools.

Bergen County NJ Company Driver Safety

Any business that has any employee driving for any purpose, from a trucking company, to sending someone out from the office on errands, needs to have a company driver safety program for their own protection and bottom line.

 

February Is Cancer Prevention Month

Bergen County NJ Cancer Prevention

Bergen County NJ Cancer Prevention | Bogle Agency InsuranceMaking healthy choices not only increases lifespan, quality of life and overall health, it also lowers health insurance costs. Health insurance in NJ is a must for all residents who want to live healthy and fulfilled lives. But it isn’t all about visiting a doctor. Making healthy choices is the responsibility of each individual.  As cancer awareness month wraps up, we thought we would take a moment to discuss Bergen County NJ Cancer Prevention, and how as individuals we can make the right choices to help lower our risks.

It is estimated that roughly one-third of the most common cancers in the United States could be prevented and this of course extends right to our own homes here in Bergen County. The best methods of Bergen County cancer prevention include healthy eating, staying active, and not smoking.

Bergen County NJ Cancer Prevention | Lung Cancer Risk

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the primary cause of cancer-related death in both men and women in the United States. An overwhelming majority of lung cancer cases are a result of cigarette smoking. According to cancer.gov, in 2014 alone Americans spent $11.9 billion dollars battling lung cancer. Even second hand smoke in the home or the workplace increases lung cancer risks by 20 – 30%. Many of the cancer-causing toxic chemicals in secondhand smoke are at even higher levels than the smoke inhaled directly from a cigarette. It is astounding how many cases of cancer could be prevented by avoiding cigarette smoke.

Bergen County NJ Cancer Prevention | Skin Cancer Risk

We all love our trips down the shore in New Jersey and summer here in Bergen County are beautiful. With all the fun of summer, it is easy to forget about skin protection. Skin cancer is the #1 most common cancer in the US.  Preventing skin cancer doesn’t mean you need to stay out of the sun completely. In fact, moderate time in the sun mixed with time in the shade, wearing hats and sunglasses, and of course sun screen are huge factors in skin cancer prevention.

Maintaining A Healthy Lifestyle

Staying lean and maintaining a healthy body weight has been shown to dramatically decrease the risk of a cancer diagnosis. The World Cancer Research Fund has estimated that 20% of all cancer diagnosis in the US are related to being overweight, physically inactive, poor nutrition and alcohol consumption and therefore could be prevented by a healthy diet and regular exercise.

If we all take steps to avoiding the unhealthy choices that increase our risks of cancer and instead take the positive healthy steps to reduce these risks, we will enjoy longer, more fulfilled lives and reduce the costs involved in battling this terrible disease. Bergen County cancer prevention, and cancer prevention all over the country and world should be taken very seriously.