Investing in Safety Means Protecting Your Workers & Business

For propane marketers and those who work in the propane industry, safety is paramount. Beyond regulatory requirements, a focus on safety safeguards your employees, customers, and business from potentially catastrophic losses. Implementing robust safety practices also signals your commitment to compliance and responsibility, protecting your reputation and bottom line.
Here are some key areas where propane marketers can invest in safety to protect their business and their workers:

Comply with Loss-Control Requirements and Recommendations

Insurance companies often conduct loss-control inspections to evaluate safety standards at your facility. These inspections are not merely regulatory exercises; they directly impact your ability to obtain affordable coverage and avoid claims. A failure to comply with loss-control requirements, especially those marked as critical, can lead to policy cancellations, leaving your business exposed.
Loss-control recommendations may include immediate repairs or the implementation of new safety protocols. Addressing these promptly will not only satisfy your insurer but also reduce potential hazards. In 2020, the U.S. propane industry reported 39 propane-related incidents, with property damages totaling $12 million . Many of these incidents could have been mitigated through proactive safety measures.
A non-compliant business may struggle to find adequate insurance coverage if dropped by a standard provider, often ending up with more expensive, non-standard policies offering limited coverage. To avoid this, make compliance with loss-control recommendations a priority.

Place Cameras on Your Vehicles

One of the most effective tools in promoting safety on the road is the use of vehicle cameras. Installing forward-facing and rear-facing cameras in your fleet of propane trucks offers multiple benefits. Cameras provide a visual record of any incident, protecting your drivers from false claims and ensuring accountability on the road.
In the event of an accident, camera footage can provide crucial evidence. A 2022 study showed that businesses using in-vehicle cameras saw a 35% reduction in accidents and an associated 50% decrease in insurance claims . This leads to reduced liability and lower insurance premiums over time.

Hold Regular Safety Meetings

Safety meetings are essential for keeping safety front-of-mind and ensuring that all employees, from office staff to drivers, are aligned on company policies. Regular meetings provide an opportunity to review any recent incidents, near-misses, or hazards, and ensure that everyone is updated on changes to industry standards or safety protocols.
According to the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), 90% of propane incidents involve improper handling or equipment issues . Holding weekly or monthly safety meetings helps identify potential hazards early and keeps employees well-trained. These meetings should cover everything from proper tank inspection to emergency response protocols.
Also, involving employees in safety meetings encourages a proactive safety culture. Workers on the ground are often the first to notice small risks, and giving them a voice in meetings allows for early detection of potential issues.

Do a “Boots on the Ground” Site Inspection with Your Insurance Agent

Site inspections conducted in partnership with your insurance agent that’s well versed in propane are invaluable. When your agent understands the nuances of propane safety and regulation, they can help you identify and mitigate risks more effectively. This proactive engagement can improve safety measures and reduce insurance premiums.
A thorough site inspection should cover everything from tank storage conditions to regulatory compliance for propane handling and dispensing. Partnering with an agent who specializes in propane ensures that they’re familiar with the specific risks in your industry. A qualified agent can also guide you on best practices to reduce risks and improve safety, helping you avoid costly claims down the line.

Join and Support Your Local Propane Associations

Being a part of your local or state propane association offers several advantages. These organizations provide valuable networking opportunities and keep you informed on the latest regulatory changes and safety innovations. Associations like the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) and state-level counterparts offer training sessions, seminars, certifications, and industry-specific guidance.

Proactively Pay Attention to Your CAB (Central Analysis Bureau) Score

Your company’s Central Analysis Bureau (CAB) score is an important indicator of how safe your business is perceived by insurers. The CAB score evaluates a variety of safety metrics, including accident history, vehicle maintenance, and regulatory compliance. A low CAB score can negatively impact your insurance rates and even disqualify you from coverage with certain providers.
Improving your CAB score requires a proactive approach. Regular vehicle maintenance, ongoing driver training, and strict adherence to safety protocols are key strategies. Monitor your score closely and take corrective action when necessary. Even a small improvement in your CAB score can significantly reduce insurance premiums.
Fleets with a good safety record have seen premiums drop by as much as 15% simply by maintaining a favorable CAB score . Your score also reflects on your reputation with customers, as many are increasingly concerned with the safety records of their suppliers.

Conclusion

In the propane industry, investing in safety isn’t just about avoiding accidents—it’s about protecting your workforce, your customers, and your business. Complying with loss-control requirements, equipping your vehicles with cameras, holding regular safety meetings, conducting site inspections with knowledgeable agents, supporting your local associations, and maintaining a strong CAB score are all essential steps in building a resilient, safe, and successful propane business.
By prioritizing these actions, you position your company not only to meet regulatory demands but to exceed them, creating a culture of safety that benefits everyone involved.