Congratulations to Group 1 Automotive and Penske Automotive Group for taking the lead in compliance score management!

by Wayne Curtis, KPA Compliance Engineer

Since January of 2009, KPA clients have now become accustomed to the use of MyKPAonline, or MKO to the more prevalent users. For those who are new to MKO, it is essentially an online compliance management tool, the tool that shows their compliance score.

KPA consultants now have the technology to perform onsite OSHA, EPA, DOT, UFC and other State, City, and County regulatory inspections through the use of a handheld device. This device has the ability to take pictures of compliance issues and links the issue with the applicable State and Federal regulations. Issues in KPA’s online database are prioritized based Environmental, Safety, and Regulatory severity. Based on the amount and overall severity of all issues, an overall compliance score is given to each applicable facility.

MKO is available to all KPA clients receiving onsite compliance services, from independent locations to large facility groups. General Managers and Controllers can view compliance and accident data for their respective locations. For the corporate group manager, MKO is quite useful as compliance scores can be broken down by Region, State, Group Platform, or any other combination of group subsets. By doing so, Corporate Risk and Safety Managers can either manage their stores directly or use their corporate hierarchy to hold regional managers accountable. Regional Managers are thereby responsible for their assigned stores. Regardless of the way the accounts are structured, MKO has now proven to be a highly successful tool in managing compliance levels across multiple rooftops, so long as an accountability structure is put in place.

For independent dealers and small to large groups across the Nation, MKO has proven to be a game changer in compliance management. Two shining examples of effective compliance management can be found with two of the Nation’s largest auto retailers, Group 1 Automotive and Penske Automotive Group. Though both groups consist of nearly 100 dealer rooftops, these Groups have effectively managed their compliance scores to an unbelievable 97 – 98% and have held this level of compliance consistently. To put this in perspective, MKO developers targeted approximately 85% to be the average compliance score for a new facility prior to getting started with KPA. Both Group 1 and Penske Automotive Group are not only reaching high level of compliance across one store, they are doing it for all stores, across all States, regardless of the Management hierarchy. Essentially, Group 1 and Penske have managed their compliance program to virtually spot free facilities in less than one year.

Though MyKPAonline is a useful tool, this achievement could not be accomplished without the accountability structure put in place by Penske Automotive Group and Group 1 leadership. Though each Group has installed a different flow chart of accountability, they both ensure a second and sometimes a third set of eyes are reviewing compliance levels regularly. Compliance achievement is an initiative driven from the top down. Managers are held accountable for running a safe and compliant place of business. Trouble areas are easily identified through MKO, and pictures of compliance issues leaves little room for mistake or miscommunication. With MKO, Managers can be given compliance targets based on the numbers and performance can be driven to reach those goals. Though MKO is a relatively new tool, this accountability structure has been established and improved over the years. See the below example of a KPA group partner and the milestones implemented together through KPA and Client Group leadership to help drive performance.

Undoubtedly, these improvements made to reduce compliance levels will have trickle down effects. Onsite safety hazards and other regulatory risks are quickly identified and resolved. The immediate and proactive nature of these efforts builds a culture of awareness, where all employees become engaged. Reinforced through KPA’s onsite and online safety training, safety and compliance shifts from a mindset of “we make a good effort” to more of “the only way we do business.” Safer environments and employees who are more aware lead to less accidents and lower workers comp and insurance premiums. The trickle-down effect leads to greater cost savings over time and a more compliant, safer, and more productive place of work.

We would like to congratulate Group 1 Automotive and Penske Automotive Group members of Risk Management and Fixed Operations. They lead by example when it comes to building their compliance and safety culture – a fact which can now be proven by the numbers. KPA is proud to be partner in these efforts look forward to the next Group success story.

If you would like to speak with someone to discuss how KPA can assist your Group in compliance and safety management, please feel free to contact Wayne Curtis, Director of Client Operations, via email at wayne@kpaonline.com.