DRIVER AND FLEET SAFETY POLICY

 

Driver Overview

 

Driving a Company vehicle is a privilege and not a right, or a guaranteed benefit of your job. The Company reserves the right to revoke the assignment of a vehicle and/or your driving privileges at any time, and for any reason without prior notice.

 

The Company vehicle assigned to you is to be used to travel to work in the morning, throughout the course of the day for business purposes only. The Company vehicle is to remain parked at the overnight parking location until the next working day, or until you are called to duty. This is unless you are given permission to use the vehicle for other business-related activities during off hours.

 

The only individuals who may operate or ride in a Company owned or leased vehicle are authorized employees of the company, and, when necessary, authorized Customer Representatives. Additionally, the transportation of weapons, alcoholic beverages, or illegal drugs within a Company vehicle, is strictly prohibited. Violations of the above stated policy will result in immediate termination of employment.

 

Drinking and driving with a company vehicle, is cause for immediate termination of employment.

 

DRIVER AND FLEET SAFETY

 

Vehicle accidents are costly to our company, but more importantly, they may result in injury to you or others. It is the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner and to drive defensively to prevent injuries and property damage. As such, the Energy Group, Inc. endorses all applicable state motor vehicle regulations relating to driver responsibility. The Energy Group, Inc. expects each driver to drive in a safe and courteous manner pursuant to the following safety rules.

 

For purposes of monitoring the condition of the Energy Group, Inc.’s equipment, Energy Group, Inc. employs state of the art technology in its GPS system. This GPS system monitors engine temperature, fluid levels, brake pad/disc temperature and various other vehicle performance information, so that the equipment may be maintained adequately.

 

A fringe benefit of the GPS system is that it also monitors the location of all the equipment to ensure the equipment is used exclusively for the benefit of the Energy Group, Inc. In addition, the system monitors, real-time, the speed at which the vehicle is traveling and events such as “hard” or normal brake patterns. The primary benefit of this GPS system is, that it provides management the information that helps identify unsafe driving practices, to keep all our valued employees safe from harm.

 

The Energy Group, Inc. Safety committee is responsible for:

 

• Reviewing accidents and employer’s overall driver safety record to determine if there should be corrective action (such as training, equipment changes, etc.), implemented to enhance the safe operation of company vehicles, and/or personal vehicles on company business.

• Reviewing driving records of individual employees and making recommendations to Senior Management when driving privileges should be suspended or revoked.

• Reviewing all other issues that arise with respect to compliance with this policy.

• Ensuring that company equipment is used only for the benefit of the company, and for the purposes intended.

 

Authorized Driver Criteria

 

Employees of the Energy Group, Inc. authorized to drive a company vehicle must meet all requirements and are expected to drive in a safe and responsible manner and maintain a good driving record. The Safety Committee will facilitate the process of authorizing drivers and maintaining their authorization by: monitoring GPS reports and reviewing records, (including accidents, moving violations, etc.,) to determine if an employee’s driving record indicates a pattern of unsafe or irresponsible driving, and to

make a recommendation to Executive Management for suspension or revocation of driving privileges.

 

Driver Authorization Requirements:

 

• All drivers of Energy Group, Inc. vehicles must sign an Energy Group, Inc. DOT Driver Policy.

• Anyone authorized by the Energy Group, Inc. to operate a company vehicle must be adequately licensed for the type of vehicle they are operating.

 

Any of the following items may cause the driver to lose their authorization to drive:

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1. Evidence that a driver uses reckless and negligent behavior while operating, either their own vehicle for company purposes, or a company vehicle.

2. Three or more moving violations* in a year.

3. Three or more chargeable accidents within a year. Chargeable means that the driver is determined to be the primary cause of the accident.

4. Any combination of accidents, moving violations, or other evidence of reckless and negligent behavior

 

Violations include any ticket, charge, or other law enforcement proceeding relating to these, as well as independent evidence of violations deemed relevant by the Security department.

 

Energy Group, Inc. Driver Rules

 

Company vehicles are provided to support business activities only, and: are to be used only by employees that are qualified by DOT regulations governed by the State; and must be trained and authorized to use the equipment by the Energy Group, Inc.. An active Energy Group, Inc. employment status is required, by any person operating a vehicle that is: owned, rented, leased, or otherwise property of the Energy Group, Inc. Drivers must comply with all Driver Rules, including but not limited to the following:

 

• Company vehicles are to be driven by authorized employees only. If driver authorization is lost, the employee will be notified in writing.

• Any employee who has a driver’s license revoked or suspended shall immediately notify the Director of Safety by 9 a.m. eastern time the next business day, and immediately discontinue operation of the company vehicle. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment.

• Drivers operating vehicles identified with a Department of Transportation number, or requiring a CDL license, MUST complete a Pre-Trip Drivers Inspection Report for their vehicle.

 

All accidents in company vehicles, regardless of severity, must be reported to the police, your direct supervisor, and the Director of Safety. Accidents are to be reported immediately (from the scene, or as soon as practicable if immediate or same day reporting is not possible). Accidents in personal vehicles while on company business must follow these same accident procedures.

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• Drivers must report all ticket violations received during the operation of a company vehicle, or while driving a personal vehicle on company business, within 1 business day to the Director of Safety.

• Motor Vehicle Records will be obtained on all drivers prior to employment and periodically as necessary. A driving record that fails to meet the criteria stated in this policy or considered to be in violation of the intent of this policy by the Safety Committee, will result in a loss of the privilege of driving a company vehicle.

• Company vehicles shall not be operated for purposes other than company business without prior written permission from the President.

• Company vehicles shall not be operated to conduct business for personal gain or any alternative use.

• Tampering with or removing GPS devices is prohibited.

• Driving on company business and/or driving a company vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating substances including but not limited to, alcohol and illicit drugs (which impair driving ability) is prohibited.

• Cell phone use while driving is prohibited. Drivers should complete calls while the vehicle is parked. While driving, attention to the road and safety should always take precedence over conducting business over the phone

• No driver shall operate a company vehicle when his/her ability to do so safely has been impaired by illness, fatigue, injury, or prescription medication.

• All drivers and passengers operating or riding in a company vehicle must wear seat and/or shoulder belts.

• No unauthorized personnel can ride in company vehicles.

• Drivers are responsible for the security of company vehicles assigned to them. The vehicle engine must be shut off, ignition keys removed, and vehicle doors locked whenever the vehicle is left unattended.

• All State and Local laws must be obeyed.

• Operation of the vehicle in a manner consistent with reasonable practices that avoid abuse, theft, neglect, or disrespect of the equipment.

• Adhering to manufacturer’s recommendations regarding service, maintenance, and inspection. Vehicles should not be operated with any defect that would prevent safe operation.

• Attention to, and practice of, safe driving techniques and adherence to current safety requirements.

• Company business is defined as driving at the direction, or for the benefit, of employer. It does not include normal commuting to and from work.

 

Defensive Driving Guidelines:

 

• Do Not Follow too close

• Do Not Drive too fast for condition

• Do Not Fail to observe clearances

• Do Not Fail to obey signs

• Do Not Make Improper turns

• Do Not Fail to observe signals from other drivers

• Do Not Fail to reduce speed

• Do Not Park improperly

• Do Not Pass improperly

• Do Not Fail to yield

• Do Not Back up improperly

• Do Not Fail to obey traffic signals or directions

 

Pre-Trip Inspection

 

Drivers are required to perform pre-trip inspections daily per DOT regulation.

 

• When approaching the vehicle: Notice general condition.

• Look for damage or vehicle leaning to one side.

• Look under the vehicle for fresh oil, coolant, grease, or fuel leaks.

• Check the area around the vehicle for hazards to vehicle movement (people, other vehicles, objects, low hanging wires, limbs, etc.).

• Verify that the inspection stickers and IFTA stickers are up to date and that all required marking is in place and legible 

• Know where the registration and insurance card are.

• Review Last Vehicle Inspection Report.

• Drivers must complete a vehicle inspection report in writing each day.

• Repairs must be made to any item in the report that affects safety and certify on the report that repairs were made or were unnecessary.

• Verify that any needed repairs were completed.

• Check the fluid levels, hoses, belts, and wires in the engine compartment.

• Check the gauges for proper function.

• Oil pressure should come up to normal within seconds after the engine is started.

• Ammeter and/or voltmeter should be in normal range.

• Coolant temperature should begin gradual rise to normal operating range.

• Engine oil temperature should begin gradual rise to normal operating range.

• Warning lights or buzzers should go out right away.

• Check the condition of the controls and pedals. Check the lights.

• Check Mirrors and Windshield.

• Check Emergency Equipment.

• Walk around inspection Door latches or locks.

• Wheels, rims, and tires.

• Suspension of springs, spring hangers, shackles, U-bolts, shock absorbers, Brakes, drums, discs, and hoses.

• Axles.

• Steering system.

• Windshield wiper arms and blades.

• Fuel tank and lines.

• Exhaust system.

• Frame and cross members.

• Air lines and electrical wiring.

• Spare tire and mount.

• Cargo secure and bins closed.

 

IF YOU FIND ANYTHING UNSAFE DURING THE PRE-TRIP INSPECTION, IT MUST BE REPAIRED, OR THE VEHICLE TAKEN OUT OF SERVICE. FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS FORBID OPERATING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE.

 

Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection

 

Drivers should be responsible for knowing the mechanical condition of their vehicles. It is the driver who must assure that at the start of each trip that the vehicle is in good condition.

 

• Before starting off, you should check inside the vehicle and be sure the floor is free of obstructions and debris such as tools, rags, or soiled clothing. You should also take a close look at the seat and seat belts to be sure they are sound.

• Start up the engine and watch the instruments-they should give a normal reading. While the engine is running, heater, defroster and windshield wipers should be checked.

• Check the emergency equipment. The fire extinguisher should be charged and operable and there should be adequate flares or reflective devices.

• Check the headlights, body lights and reflectors outside the vehicle. The driver should be sure tires, and wheels are in good condition.

• Look under and around the axles to see if springs, brake chambers and other parts appear to be tight and in good condition.

• A driver who is on the road with a vehicle day in and day out, is in an excellent position to observe the vehicle’s performance under all conditions. Any: unusual squeaks, rattles, knocks, or grinding noises should be reported to maintenance. Be sure that your vehicle is always in top notch condition.

• Always perform a pre/post trip inspection of a vehicle. Do not leave the yard each day until an inspection has been completed.