The Hierarchy of Controls theory holds that removing a hazard is the single most effective measure an organization can take to ensure the safety of its workers and customers.

Yet anyone who’s ever run a successful company knows that often it’s easier said than done.

“Somebody once said if you want to eliminate motor vehicle accidents, don’t drive. This isn’t realistic,” Alex Guariento, Trimac Transportation’s Vice President of Safety, says on this episode of No Accident. “There has to be an operationally based safety effort that allows you to operate in a manner that protects your employees and still allows you to remain in business.”

Trimac’s fleet carries hazardous materials, not people, yet Alex says drivers must have the same kind of people skills as their counterparts transporting passengers do.

“They need to interact with our customers at the end of a run. Our customers expect professionalism, which includes safety. The driver needs to project this and communicate it to them.”