We all go to work every day, determined to provide a meaningful service, or deliver a product on time, with goods that are just what the customer ordered. Like most companies, you want your name all over your vehicles. The brand may be known locally or nationally - but is recognizable.
What value do you place on your company’s good name and what would you do to protect the image of the company your family may have founded? While your insurance policies might provide coverage or defense for certain claims, your name or reputation could be irreparably harmed by negative events or attention.
Would your business survive if your logoed van was involved at the scene of a multicar accident on the freeway; if a foodborne illness outbreak was determined to be linked from your non-franchise restaurant; or if a five-alarm building fire occurs at an apartment building, where your excavation crew unknowingly struck a gas line?
These are all situations that can arise without warning. What are some steps you can take in situations like these and others, to protect the good name of your business?
- Implement a Drug and Alcohol program for both company-owned and Hired and non-owned vehicle drivers. For company owned vehicles a personal use policy should be implemented.
- Follow recognized safe food handling practices of your local, state or federal health departments.
- Conduct hand-locating of utilities and make sure One-Call 811 utility locating efforts are current and haven’t been altered by high winds or rain.
- Criminal background checks are critical when your employees work in residential environments or around vulnerable persons. Nationwide customers are eligible for a discount through our website.
Because many people have smartphones with video cameras, public accidents and events can be captured almost instantaneously, and contribute to the local news cycle. Once a loss is attributed to a brand or company name, it can be difficult to rehabilitate a once proud trusted name.
Before an incident occurs, it’s a good idea to get involved with your community. Meeting with your local emergency services groups before an emergency scenario happens will help you establish a strong working relationship with them. During these meetings, you can acquaint the emergency personnel with your business and equipment. It’s also a way to have your staff meet the emergency personnel and answer any questions they may have.
Developing a crisis communication program can help you handle media attention and provide your staff with much-needed guidance, should an emergency arise. When your staff is trained to be sympathetic and informative, a positive outcome more often results.
