Case Study: Cintas Reduced Collisions by 60% With Smith System Methods
Problem
With millions of business customers, Cintas is a Fortune 500 company that operates a massive mobile workforce across North America. It needed a scalable driver safety program that matched its deep-rooted and long-practiced safety culture. To achieve this goal, Cintas sought a partner that could deliver consistent driver safety expertise, executing both online and in-person across 450+ sites — all while keeping drivers engaged and protected on the road.
Solution
Cintas and Smith System have worked together for over 20 years. Cintas first chose Smith System for its shared workplace safety values and its expertise in certifying trainers, a program now called 5KeysTrainer. Today Cintas has its trainers in each of its regional locations and the companies continue to innovate solutions to Cintas driver safety issues as they occur. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cintas and Smith System co-developed a hybrid training model that combined virtual classrooms with socially distanced behind-the-wheel sessions. Additional initiatives have included refresher eLearning modules, driving evaluations, and co-branded safety materials.
Results
Since working with Smith System, Cintas has cut its collision rate by over 60%, improved employee engagement, reduced incident-related costs, and reinforced its position as a leader in workplace safety. Today, Smith System remains a partner in Cintas' successful industry-leading and award-winning safety culture, helping save lives and strengthen operational performance across its fleet.
“Implementing The Smith5Keys® training program at Cintas has been vital in helping to establish our driver safety fundamentals and reduce our vehicle incidents,” said Stephen Jenkins, Cintas Corporate Director, Health and Safety. “This has been great for reducing accident-related costs, but more importantly, more of our employee-partners are staying safe on the road.”
