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Brian Fielkow is the Executive Vice President of Risk Resources at Acrisure, a global Fintech and insurance company. With over 25 years of experience in fleet safety, transportation, and logistics, he served as the CEO of Jetco Delivery, a trucking and logistics company. Brian has also worked in waste management and recycling, where he developed a strong foundation in safety culture. He is also the co-author of Leading People Safely and frequently speaks about risk management and workplace safety.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [01:51] Brian Fielkow’s journey from corporate law to fleet safety
- [04:58] Common mistakes companies make when implementing a safety program
- [08:39] The cost of crashes beyond insurance claims
- [11:34] The driver shortage problem and how a strong safety culture attracts and retains top talent
- [16:37] Why non-punitive cameras should be used for driver behavior improvement
- [24:29] How to encourage senior management to support safety investments
- [33:03] Key differences between managing risk and leaving safety to chance
- [38:34] The impact of safety messaging on company culture and reputation
- [43:18] The value of positive reinforcement and gamification in safety training
In this episode…
Safety isn’t just about policies and procedures; it’s about culture. Yet, in many companies, safety is still treated as a standalone department rather than an organization-wide commitment. How can companies integrate safety into daily operations?
According to Brian Fielkow, a nationally recognized expert in safety leadership and risk management, safety is not a department; it’s the foundation of operational excellence. When companies treat safety as a separate function, they lose accountability and allow dangerous practices to emerge. True safety culture thrives when leadership and operations take ownership, embedding safety into every decision. The biggest mistake companies make is assuming safety hinders productivity. Instead, a strong safety culture reduces costs, improves efficiency, and enhances workforce morale.
In this episode of Roadrageous, Liam Hoch and Chad Lindholm sit down with Brian Fielkow, Executive Vice President of Risk Resources at Acrisure, to discuss why safety must be an operational priority, not just a checkbox. They break down the myths that prevent companies from achieving safer workplaces, explore how technology like in-cab cameras can enhance rather than punish driver performance, and reveal why companies that prioritize safety attract and retain top talent.
Quotable Moments:
- “Safety isn’t a department; it’s woven into the fabric of an organization, defining its core values.”
- “It’s not safe or productive; it’s got to be safe and productive. They are not competing priorities.”
- “Safety done right is an investment. Consider the cost of the opposite before you cut corners.”
- “Are we good or are we lucky? Continuous improvement means asking the tough questions.”
- “The debate about whether to install cameras should be over. The focus now should be on using the data effectively.”
Action Steps:
- Integrate safety into organizational culture: Making safety a core value, rather than treating it as an isolated department, ensures accountability across the entire organization.
- Utilize technology responsibly: Implementing tools like two-way cameras can enhance driver safety but must be accompanied by a non-punitive, trust-based approach.
- Involve employees in change management: Engaging frontline employees in decision-making processes, such as integrating new technologies, builds trust and buy-in.
- Employ positive reinforcement: Using methods like gamification and recognition programs can enhance engagement and motivation among drivers to maintain safe practices.
- Leverage marketing and communication strategies: Applying these techniques internally can promote safety messages and values, making them more engaging and memorable.
Beyond Compliance: Building a True Safety Culture with Brian Fielkow
“Safety isn’t a department, it’s the foundation of operational excellence.” These powerful words from Brian Fielkow, Executive Vice President of Risk Resources at Acrisure, resonated deeply in the latest episode of Roadrageous. We dove into the heart of fleet safety, exploring how to shift from mere compliance to a deeply ingrained culture of care.
Brian’s journey, spanning corporate law, waste management, and his own logistics company, Jetco Delivery, provides a unique perspective. He’s seen safety from all angles and understands the real-world challenges companies face.
The Myth of Safety vs. Productivity
One of the biggest takeaways was Brian’s firm stance against the notion that safety and productivity are at odds. “It’s not safe or productive,” he emphasized, “it’s got to be safe and productive.” This mindset shift is crucial. Companies must move beyond viewing safety as an expense and recognize it as a strategic investment that ultimately enhances efficiency.
Beyond the Bottom Line: The True Cost of a Crash
We often focus on the direct costs of a crash – insurance payouts, repairs, etc. But Brian highlighted the hidden costs: reputational damage, customer dissatisfaction, and the devastating impact on employee morale. A single incident can ripple through an organization, affecting its bottom line and its people.
Hiring for Values, Not Just Skills
Addressing the persistent driver shortage, Brian stressed the importance of hiring value-aligned employees. “There really is no driver shortage if you just want to fill vehicles,” he stated. “The challenge is in hiring the best of the best.” This means prioritizing safety as a core value and attracting drivers who share that commitment.
Technology as a Tool for Coaching, Not Punishment
The conversation naturally turned to technology, particularly two-way cameras. Brian believes the debate over whether to install them should be over. However, he cautioned against using data punitively. Instead, it should be used for coaching and improvement. “Is it an honest mistake or deliberate behavior?” he asked, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach.
Winning Over the C-Suite: Speak Their Language
Getting buy-in from senior management is often a hurdle. Brian offered practical advice: speak their language. For CFOs, present the ROI with hard numbers. For CEOs, address concerns about driver turnover with strategies like beta testing.
The Insurance Partnership: A Collaborative Approach
Brian stressed the importance of a collaborative relationship with insurance partners. Agents can provide valuable resources and insights, helping companies proactively improve their safety programs.
From Accidents to Preventable Incidents
We also discussed the shift from using the term “accident” to “crash,” emphasizing the concept of preventability. Brian challenged us to conduct disciplined root cause reviews of all incidents, regardless of severity, and to distinguish between luck and skill.
Marketing Safety: Make it Engaging and Fun
Brian emphasized the power of internal marketing to promote safety. He encouraged companies to use creativity, branding, and even a touch of humor to engage employees and make safety a part of the company’s identity.
Key Takeaways:
- Safety is a core value, not just a department.
- Productivity and safety are mutually beneficial.
- Technology should be used for coaching and improvement.
- Communicate safety initiatives effectively.
- Root cause analysis is vital for prevention.
- Make safety engaging and fun.
Brian Fielkow’s insights offer a roadmap for building a truly effective safety culture. It’s about moving beyond compliance, fostering a sense of ownership, and creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and safe.
Conclusion
Brian Fielkow on Roadrageous argues that safety is not a department, but a core operational value. He emphasizes that a strong safety culture, driven by leadership and integrated into daily operations, enhances productivity, reduces costs, and attracts talent. He debunks myths about safety hindering efficiency and advocates for technology to be used for driver improvement, not punishment.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Liam Hoch on LinkedIn
- Chad Lindholm on LinkedIn
- Gary Alexander on LinkedIn
- IMPROVLearning
- Brian Fielkow: LinkedIn | Email
- Acrisure
- Brian Fielkow and Associates
- Waste Management
- “How the Bolognese Gets Made” with Bill Vargo on Roadrageous
- “The Loose Nuts Behind the Wheel” with Jim Noble on Roadrageous
- Jetco Delivery
- Leading People Safely: How to Win on the Business Battlefield by James T. Schultz and Brian L. Fielkow
- Robert L. Sumwalt on LinkedIn
