TCI’s Visionary Approach to Navigating the Future of Transportation Compliance
In the ever-evolving landscape of the transportation and logistics industry, safety and compliance remain at the forefront of operational priorities. Amidst this backdrop, TCI Transportation has emerged as a beacon of innovation and commitment, setting new standards for what it means to integrate safety into the very fabric of a company’s culture.
At the helm of these pioneering efforts is Danica Fairfax, TCI’s Senior Director of Safety and Claims and a seasoned safety professional with over two decades of experience. Danica’s journey with TCI is a testament to the transformative power of leadership that prioritizes not just the adherence to safety protocols, but the cultivation of a holistic safety mindset across all levels of the organization.
An Introduction
Tell us a little about your personal journey and experiences with safety within the industry.
“It’s been a path of continuous learning, adaptation, and commitment to making a real difference. Starting as a temp in transportation safety and moving through various roles to leadership positions, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with fostering a culture of safety.
At TCI, we’ve embraced these challenges head-on, not just aiming to meet the standard safety protocols but to exceed them, to innovate, and to lead by example. Our journey here is about more than compliance; it’s about setting new benchmarks for what safety culture can achieve. We’ve integrated safety into every aspect of our operations, from the ground up, ensuring that it’s not just a policy but a core value that guides our decisions and actions.
This journey has taught me the importance of leadership commitment, employee involvement, and the power of a proactive approach to safety. It’s a journey that continues to evolve, but one thing remains constant: our unwavering commitment to the safety of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve.”
What made this new role at TCI feel like such a good fit for you?
“Taking on my role at TCI felt right because it deeply resonated with my personal values and my own vision for safety in our industry. From the start, I could see TCI wasn’t just talking about safety; they were actively living it. Their commitment to not just meeting but exceeding safety standards, their openness to innovation, and the way they valued every employee’s contribution to safety really stood out to me. It was clear I’d be joining a team that didn’t see safety as just another box to check but as a core value. This alignment of our views on safety and the chance to be part of a forward-thinking, proactive safety culture was exactly what I was looking for. It felt like the perfect fit.”
TCI just won the prestigious 2023 TCA Fleet Safety Award during your first year with the company. What does that mean to you?
“That wasn’t just a win for TCI; it was a win for every member of our team who comes in every day with safety at the forefront of their minds. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team and a clear indication that we’re on the right path. It shows that our proactive approach to safety, our willingness to innovate, and our dedication to not just meeting but exceeding safety standards are making a real impact.
To me, this award is a reminder of why we do what we do every day. It’s about more than just accolades; it’s about ensuring the safety and well-being of our employees, our customers, and the communities we serve. It’s a proud moment for all of us at TCI, and it motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in fleet safety.”
Safety Culture and Leadership
Can you describe TCI’s approach to safety culture and how it’s integrated into the company’s values?
“At TCI, our approach to safety culture goes beyond just following protocols; it’s about integrating safety into our core values and mindset. From the very top, our leadership believes that if a job can’t be done safely, then we shouldn’t be doing it at all. This philosophy is embedded in every aspect of our operations, ensuring that safety is not just a priority but a fundamental part of how we conduct our business.
We’ve moved from having a safety culture to adopting a safety mindset, where safety is upfront and not hidden. It’s about doing the right thing, not just for compliance but because it’s integral to our integrity and the way we want to operate.”
How does TCI’s leadership support and promote safety within the organization?
“Our leadership’s commitment to safety is the driving force behind our culture. The presidents of TCI personally ensure that safety is more than just a policy; it’s our guiding principle. When I met the president of the company during my initial interview, he took the time to tell me, ‘The way we see it is, if it can’t be done safely, we don’t want to do it at all.’ This top-down emphasis on safety empowers everyone in the organization to take an active role in maintaining a safe work environment. Our leaders don’t just talk about safety; they are directly involved in initiatives and continuously seek out innovative ways to enhance our safety practices.”
What makes TCI’s safety culture unique compared to other companies in the industry?
“Because we are committed to going above and beyond mere compliance. We’ve created an environment where safety is the collective responsibility of every individual, from the ground up. This is achieved through fostering open lines of communication across all levels and embracing innovation to proactively address safety challenges. Our approach is not about reacting to incidents; it’s about preventing them. This proactive and inclusive culture, supported by our leadership and embraced by our employees, is what truly differentiates us in the industry.
Our leadership’s dedication to safety sets the tone for our entire organization. It’s about more than just compliance; it’s about creating a culture where every employee feels empowered to contribute to a safer work environment.”
Employee Involvement and Communication
How does TCI encourage employee involvement in safety practices?
“For the first time in my career, we’ve all been at the table and we’re talking. And when we know we have an issue, everybody wants to jump in, everybody wants to play a role in how we figure this out. That’s because we believe that safety is a collective responsibility, and we encourage employee involvement at every level. We achieve this through regular safety meetings, where employees from various departments come together to discuss safety issues, share insights, and contribute ideas for improvement.
We also involve employees in the decision-making process, especially when it comes to implementing new safety protocols or technologies. By giving our team, a voice in how we manage safety, we foster a sense of ownership and accountability, which is crucial for maintaining a strong safety culture.”
What role do drivers play in shaping the safety culture at TCI?
“Drivers are at the heart of our safety culture at TCI. They’re not just on the front lines; they’re our eyes and ears on the road, providing invaluable feedback on safety conditions and practices. We involve drivers in safety meetings, encourage them to share their experiences and concerns, and actively seek their input on how to improve safety measures. By valuing and acting on the feedback from our drivers, we reinforce the importance of their role in maintaining safety standards. Our drivers are our ‘highway heroes,’ and their active participation is essential for shaping and sustaining our safety culture.”
Innovation and Technology
What innovative technologies have TCI adopted to enhance safety and operational efficiency?
“Innovation is huge here. TCI is committed to leveraging innovative technologies to enhance both safety and operational efficiency. We’ve adopted several cutting-edge solutions, including the use of cameras in our trucks, which provide real-time insights into driver behavior and road conditions.
Additionally, we’re exploring the potential of electric vehicles to reduce our environmental impact and improve safety through advanced vehicle control systems. We also utilize data analytics to monitor safety metrics and identify areas for improvement. These technologies not only help us maintain high safety standards but also enable us to be more efficient and proactive in our operations.”
How does TCI approach the pilot and implementation of new safety programs?
“It’s characterized by thorough evaluation and employee involvement. Before rolling out a new program, we conduct pilot tests to assess its effectiveness and gather feedback from the team members who will be directly affected. This process allows us to make necessary adjustments and ensure that the program aligns with our safety goals and operational needs. We also prioritize training and education to ensure that our employees are well-prepared to adopt new safety technologies and practices.”
Can you discuss the impact of technology, such as cameras in trucks, on TCI’s safety practices?
“The introduction of cameras in our trucks has had a profound impact on our safety practices. These devices have enabled us to better understand the behaviors and conditions that lead to safety incidents. For example, by reviewing footage from the cameras, we can identify risky driving behaviors and provide targeted training to address these issues. The cameras also serve as a deterrent to unsafe driving practices, as drivers are more mindful of their actions. Plus, in the event of an incident, the footage can be invaluable for understanding what happened and preventing future occurrences.
Innovation in safety practices is not just about adopting new technologies; it’s about fostering a mindset of continuous improvement and proactive problem-solving across the company.”
Training and Compliance
What does the training program for new employees at TCI entail, especially regarding safety?
“It’s pretty comprehensive, focusing on both operational skills and safety awareness. From day one, we emphasize the importance of safety in every aspect of our operations. New employees undergo a detailed orientation that covers our safety policies, procedures, and expectations. This includes hands-on training with safety equipment, understanding the correct procedures for reporting safety incidents and learning about hazard recognition.
We also pair new drivers with experienced mentors who provide guidance and reinforce our safety culture. The goal is to ensure that every employee not only understands our safety protocols but also the reasoning behind them, building a proactive safety mindset.”
How does TCI make sure its employees understand and continually follow safety protocols?
“Through continuous education, regular safety meetings, and performance monitoring. We use a variety of training methods, including online modules, in-person workshops, and safety drills, to keep safety knowledge fresh and relevant. Our safety team conducts regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards and protocols.
We also have a system in place for tracking and analyzing safety incidents, which helps us identify trends and areas for improvement. By maintaining open lines of communication and encouraging feedback from employees, we ensure that everyone stays informed and engaged with our safety objectives.
In addition, our leadership team leads by example, actively participating in safety initiatives and discussions to underscore their commitment. We also encourage employees to take personal responsibility for safety, not just at work but in their everyday lives, emphasizing that safety is a mindset, not just a set of rules to follow. By fostering a culture where safety is valued and celebrated, we help our employees understand that their actions have a direct effect on their well-being and that of their colleagues.”
What steps does TCI take to foster a culture of continuous improvement in safety?
“We take several proactive steps. We encourage open and honest communication about safety issues, creating an environment where employees feel comfortable reporting concerns and suggesting improvements. We recognize and reward safe behaviors and innovations in safety practices, reinforcing the value we place on safety. Regular training and development opportunities are provided to all employees to keep them informed about the latest safety standards and techniques. And we invest in technology and equipment that enhance safety and efficiency.
By prioritizing safety in our daily operations and strategic planning, we embed continuous improvement into the fabric of our organization, ensuring that safety remains a dynamic and ever-evolving priority. Safety isn’t just a part of our job—it’s the foundation of everything we do at TCI. Our commitment to exceeding safety standards is what sets us apart and drives us forward.”
Final Thoughts
Looking ahead, what future safety initiatives are TCI excited about?
“That’s easy – anything that aims to further enhance our safety culture and operational efficiency. One of the initiatives we’re particularly enthusiastic about is the expansion of our driver training programs to include more advanced simulation-based training. This will allow our drivers to experience and react to potential safety scenarios in a controlled environment, improving their preparedness for real-world situations. We’re also looking forward to implementing more comprehensive wellness programs for our employees, recognizing that physical and mental health are critical components of safety.
Additionally, we’re exploring community engagement initiatives to promote safety beyond our operations, emphasizing our commitment to the well-being of the communities we serve.”
Overall, how do you feel about the future of safety and compliance at TCI?
“I’m incredibly optimistic about it. We’ve built a strong foundation based on proactive safety measures, employee engagement, and technological innovation. As we continue to evolve and adapt to new challenges, I believe our commitment to safety will only grow stronger.
The integration of advanced technologies and our continuous efforts to enhance our safety culture are key drivers that will help us maintain high standards of safety and compliance. I’m confident that with our dedicated team and forward-thinking approach, we’ll continue to lead by example in the industry and make significant strides in ensuring the safety and well-being of our employees and the communities we serve.”
What is the most important thing you feel others in your industry could learn from your success?
“The value of fostering a culture of safety that involves every level of the organization. Safety isn’t just the responsibility of the safety department; it’s a collective commitment that requires active participation from all employees.
By encouraging open communication, providing continuous education, and involving employees in safety decisions, companies can create an environment where safety is truly a shared priority. Our success has shown that when safety is integrated into the company’s values and operations, it leads to not only a safer workplace but also improved operational efficiency and employee satisfaction.
We’re not just reactive to safety challenges; we’re proactive in anticipating and addressing potential safety issues before they arise. This forward-thinking mindset, combined with our leadership’s commitment and the active involvement of our employees, makes our safety culture truly unique in the industry.”
About Danica
Danica N. Fairfax is an accomplished professional with over 18 years in various safety and compliance roles, excelling in environmental, health, safety, and risk management across multiple industries. As a senior leader in transportation safety and claims, she provides strategic guidance, fosters internal and external relationships, and has contributed significantly to safety initiatives in sectors like waste management, oil and gas, and grocery retail. Holding a Bachelor’s in Occupational Safety and Health and numerous certifications, Danica is dedicated to professional development, networking, and sharing knowledge through publications and speaking engagements.
