Published: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
By Brian J. Riker
You may have heard the saying, “All training is good training.” But is it?
While that sentiment may be well intended, some training programs are dangerous. I’m not referring to the professionally produced and presented programs. Most of them are full of proven and verified information presented by a trained instructor; rather, I’m referring to the in-house, “on the job” programs and the trend to learn from social media. These unregulated approaches can be dangerous and may expose your company to significant liability.
As a tow operator, ongoing education is essential. Every year vehicle manufacturers come out with new ideas to improve their product while simultaneously making it more difficult to tow, transport or service. The rules of the road are always evolving, motor carrier compliance is ever changing, and technology seems to be out of date before you even know it exists.
Towing is no different than any other profession. There is a need for new hire orientation training along with continuing education, even for seasoned operators when they switch companies or advance from light to heavy duty. This orientation and/or continuing education training is where an in-house program will make or break your operation. If it is presented in an orderly manner with a clear curriculum, progress evaluations and a system of checks and balances, it will be effective. Training delivered on the fly—without a structured system and relying on random scenarios during ride-alongs—can lead to disastrous results.
Designing an Effective In-House Training Program
When developing your in-house training, ensure that content is accurate, aligns with current industry best practices, and remains consistent with your company’s written policies. Many businesses face legal trouble simply because they fail to follow their own procedures in critical situations.
Your training materials should be a living document, updated regularly—at least annually—to reflect industry changes. Proper documentation is key. Maintain records of who completed each course, copies of assessments, and historical versions of the training material as it was presented. These records can be invaluable if you ever need to defend your program in court.
Selecting the Right Trainers
Another crucial consideration is who will present the material. Many companies assign this responsibility to a dispatcher or office manager for the business aspects of training and a senior driver for hands-on instruction. While this approach may seem logical, not everyone has the skills to teach effectively.
A great instructor will be well versed in both the materials and skills being taught and the psychology behind how adults learn. Your most experienced or productive operator may not necessarily be the best trainer. Instead, look for individuals with attention to detail, patience, and a commitment to following procedures without shortcuts.
The same can be said for the classroom portion of any training. Your office manager or lead dispatcher may know their job inside out, but they may not have the time, or skills to effectively teach a new hire what they need to know. In small companies you may not have a choice of who presents the material but in midsize and large companies you may want to consider having one or two dedicated trainers to present all your in-house programs.
Legal and Risk Management Considerations
Lastly, please consult with your legal counsel and a professional risk manager before implementing any in-house training. They will look at your program from a defensive point of view, ensuring it will stand up to scrutiny should it ever be challenged in court. Most companies can’t afford their own dedicated risk manager, but every reputable insurance producer will have a risk manager available, usually as a free service to help their clients. Ask your insurance agent what resources they have available to help your company become safer and more professional.
Learn More
For more information on creating an in-house training program join author and teacher Brian Riker live on Wednesday, February 12th at 11 AM Eastern for his American Towman Academy webinar entitled "Building an In-House Training Program." Don’t worry, if you miss it live. It is also available for replay at a later date.
Published: Wednesday, February 05, 2025
By Randall Resch
With flu season here and catching Covid still a possibility, how can tow operators who deal with sleep deprivation and a lot of stress strengthen their immune systems to stay healthy?
We towers spend countless hours at work, responding to calls around the clock and in all conditions. It’ difficult to find time to address mental and physical needs. A well-rounded health plan fosters numerous benefits. Avoiding illness is an ongoing process that is supported by:
Exercise:
Studies by the Department of Health and Aging claim that 82.5% of the workforce is overweight or obese, with 79.8% engaging in low or no physical activity. Daily schedules aren’t favorable to fitting in workouts, but some exercise is better than none if you hope to avoid heart attacks or strokes.
Driving a heavy wrecker isn’t exercise. Working a wreck isn’t exercise. These activities cause excitement and stress, elevating your heart rate, but they don’t replace proper physical activity. Tragically, over 50 tow operators have died on the job while responding to collisions, driving trucks, or simply working in the yard.
Sleep:
The body needs circadian recharging through consistent, uninterrupted sleep. Limited rest leads to irritability and relationship problems. Research shows that poor sleep increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
Stress:
Work stress is an unavoidable reality in our field, and it can lead to overload. Excess stress may aggravate pre-existing conditions, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, ulcers, and mental health issues like depression or suicidal tendencies. I can’t stress enough—prolonged illnesses heighten the risk of burnout.
Relaxation:
What’s that, you ask? As towers, we must learn to detach from the chaos by stepping away from work. Immerse yourself in extracurricular or family activities that have nothing to do with towing. Practice finding calm for both the mind and body.
Diet:
What’s in a healthy diet? Are you scarfing down two-pound greasy burgers, several slices of pizza, a couple of candy bars, and washing it all down with energy drinks? Tow operators’ poor eating habits are often driven by time constraints, availability, and affordability.
We’re notorious for consuming junk food on the go. A healthy diet includes staying hydrated. Try to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day—not soda, coffee, or beer!
Get Checked Out
What’s essential for a solid health plan? Annual physicals help catch potential health problems early. I’d guess most towers haven’t had a check-up in over a year. Unfortunately, the lack of employee health care doesn’t guarantee wellness—but that’s a topic for another day.
Occupational Dangers:
Workplace hazards are always close, especially on high-speed highways. Safety first—stay ahead of dangers by maintaining proper safety attitudes and awareness.
Kids at Home:
Cleanliness is mandatory, especially with school-aged kids bringing home germs from the “booger farm.” Constant sanitizing is essential.
Environmental Dangers:
Catching and spreading viruses is a reality, especially with tow events allowing customers to ride in tow trucks. Owners, reconsider COVID precautions—should customers ride along, or should alternate transportation be arranged? Face masks remain a personal choice.
The threat of COVID and other illnesses is real. Extreme weather conditions also challenge our well-being. Bitter temperatures directly correlate with increased sickness.
Stay vigilant in maintaining robust health. Don’t risk catching an illness that takes weeks to shake off. Tow bosses, if an employee says they’re sick, send them home and keep the illness from spreading.
Prioritizing health and safety keeps your team strong and your business running smoothly!
Operations Editor Randall C. Resch is a retired, veteran, California police officer, former tow business owner and industry advocate. As consultant and trainer, he authored and teaches tow truck operator safety courses approved by the California Highway Patrol. For 52-years, he has been involved in the towing and recovery industry. In 28-years, he has contributed more than 750-safety focused articles for American Towman Magazine, TowIndustryWeek.com and is a frequent seminar presenter and beauty pageant judge at tow shows. In 2014, he was inducted to the International Towing and Recovery Industry Hall of Fame, was the 3rd recipient of the industry's "Dave Jones Leadership Award," and is a member of American Towman’s Safety Committee. Email Randy at rreschran@gmail.com.
Published: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
By Brian J. Riker
Like it or not, personal protective equipment (PPE) is a job requirement that is here to stay. Oftentimes, I hear complaints that it is hard to keep clean, doesn’t provide any real protection (safety vests and hi-viz), or is uncomfortable because it doesn’t fit properly. These may be valid complaints, but they can be overcome easily enough.
The Dangers of Ill-Fitting PPE
When your PPE doesn’t fit correctly, you might as well not be wearing it. If PPE is not worn properly, it provides little, if any, protection and is in violation of OSHA standards. To address this in the construction industry, OSHA recently released a final rule revision to OSHA Standard 1926.95(c) regarding the proper fit and function of PPE. While this applies specifically to the construction industry, it aligns construction standards with those already in place for general industry and shipyards under OSHA 1910.
Why This Matters to All Industries
If general industry already had this requirement, why bring it up now? First, ensuring proper PPE fit is common sense and worth a reminder. Second, with the newly updated 1926 standard, OSHA investigators will be paying closer attention to PPE compliance across all industries.
OSHA regulations have always required PPE such as safety glasses, respirators, and hard hats to fit securely, cover the intended areas, and be kept clean and in good working order. However, this is challenging given the variety of worker sizes and shapes—there is no true "one size fits all" solution.
This issue is particularly evident in clothing, vests, safety shoes, and gloves. Many female workers and smaller males struggle to find PPE that fits properly. This failure reflects an industry-wide lack of consideration for worker safety. Fortunately, some manufacturers are addressing this need, but there is still a long way to go in providing PPE for workers of all shapes, sizes, and genders.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers are required to provide all necessary PPE, with exceptions for personal items such as safety shoes that can be worn off-duty. However, as a responsible employer, ensuring workers have access to proper protection should be a priority, regardless of their financial situation.
For example, I always provided everything, including safety shoes, jackets, rain gear, and headwear. I would rather absorb the cost of a $200 pair of boots than have an employee suffer a foot injury on my job site.
Improving PPE Availability and Fit
With increased focus on proper PPE fit, now is the time to assess and improve your PPE inventory. Consider implementing a PPE purchase program, allowing employees to choose from approved items with a set allowance per quarter. These programs have proven successful, giving employees control over their gear while reducing employer storage costs.
Key Considerations for ANSI Class 3 Outer Garments
For towing professionals, ANSI Class 3 vests or outer garments are among the most critical PPE items. Here are some key points to remember:
-- Proper Classification: Class 3 garments are typically required for towers due to their exposure to high-speed traffic. Class 2 may be acceptable in lower-speed conditions, but Class 3 provides better protection. All garments must be rated Type R for roadway use.
-- Cleanliness and Lifespan: These garments must be kept clean, free from tears and defects, and replaced regularly. Expect a 3-6 month lifespan depending on usage and wash cycles.
-- Proper Fit & Wear: These garments must be fastened, zipped up, and snug-fitting. Loose-fitting vests can pose caught-in hazards with equipment.
-- Training & Compliance: Employers must train staff on properly donning, doffing, inspecting, and replacing these garments. Providing PPE is not enough; workers must know how to use it effectively.
The Bottom Line
Despite skepticism about hi-viz gear, gloves, and safety glasses, these items serve as a last line of defense against workplace injuries. As an employer, you are responsible for providing the right equipment and enforcing its use.
As an employee, you owe it to yourself and your family to use proper PPE. In the unfortunate event of an injury, failing to wear PPE can impact workers' compensation claims. I have seen cases where workers lost part of their injury compensation because they were not using PPE properly.
Properly fitted PPE is not just a regulation—it’s a necessity for workplace safety. Take the time to evaluate your PPE today and make the necessary improvements to ensure full protection for yourself and your team.
