Selecting a transportation safety consultant

Overview

All National Safety Code (NSC) carriers in Alberta are responsible for ensuring their vehicles and drivers are operating safely and in compliance with transportation safety laws. In some situations, a carrier may wish to ask for help from a safety consultant to help meet regulatory requirements.

When to hire a safety consultant

Carriers may find it helpful to invest in a consultant for:

• better understanding the transportation safety laws that apply to their company
• developing and implementing effective safety and maintenance programs
• addressing significant safety concerns including rating changes, directions from the Registrar
• assistance in monitoring drivers for transportation safety compliance
• assistance in completing, preparing for, or taking action after a facility audit
• assistance in establishing a company culture of safety
• training services – cargo securement, hours of service, trip inspections, weights and dimensions

Select a safety consultant

Selecting a consultant is not always an easy task. When selecting a consultant for assistance, carriers should consider if the consultant:

• has a good understanding of the company’s needs
• can help the company establish an administrative system that meets National Safety Code requirements
• can help the carrier address management and control of company vehicles and drivers
• can teach company employees how to perform their responsibilities on their own
• has the training and experience to do the type of work needed:
  • Do they have any certifications in the areas for which they are providing training?
  • Are they knowledgeable of federal and Alberta’s transportation legislation?
• has the skills to do the tasks needed or has connections to others with the right skills – audits, training services, development of safety and maintenance programs
• offers work references that can be checked before hiring
• is available during the timeframe that the carrier needs their services
• is prepared to travel to meet with company representatives in person
• offers their services at an agreeable fee
• is prepared to sign an agreement documenting the fee, services provided, timeframes and more

Read more about National Safety Code requirements at Education manual for commercial carriers.

Contact

Connect with Monitoring and Compliance:
Email: [email protected]