Transportation Security

Westfield has coordinated efforts with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to share knowledge with you about safe travel, including passenger, vehicle and cargo security. Our employees are trained by TSA to recognize potential hazards and concerns in regards to transportation safety.

Bill Arrington of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Visits Westfield Insurance Westfield hosted guest lecturer Bill Arrington, general manager for the Office of Highway and Motor Carriers, Transportation Security Agency, United States Department of Homeland Security. He spoke to a gathering of Westfield employees regarding our mutual business: the preservation of property and life. Kirk Barry, risk services leader at Westfield, said, "What truly caught my attention was his statement that we are both in the business of preservation of property and life, and that he wants to partner with the insurance industry to drive results." Arrington expressed that the government alone cannot maintain the safety of highways, byways and vehicles, and he is on a nationwide mission to enlist everyone's help. "The transportation network is critical to the nation's way of life and economic vitality, and ensuring its security is the mission charged to all sector partners, including government and private industry stakeholders."

Video: Bill Arrington, General Manager, Office of Highway Motor Carriers, speaks at Westfield (Time 01:04:09)

TSA Response to Transportation Security Issues

TSA was created in the wake of 9/11 to protect the nation’s transportation systems and ensure freedom of movement for all people and commerce. TSA works closely with aviation, rail, transit and pipeline sector stakeholders to secure our transportation safety.

In addition to partnering with law enforcement and the intelligence community, TSA helps train transportation professionals, such as bus drivers, truck drivers, motor coach drivers and highway infrastructure employees in a counter terrorism effort.

First Observers Program

Employees in these fields may become a “First Observer.” “First observer” is a national safety and security program that administers anti-terrorism and security awareness program for highway professionals. Transportation professionals are the eyes of the road, by training bus, truck and motor coach drivers and high infrastructure employees to report suspicious activities, enabling our transportation system to be safer.

For more information about “First Observer” visit firstobserver.com, email firstobserver@hms-worl.com, or call 1-888-217-5902.

11 Steps to Mitigate Risks

TSA has provided a list of things you can do to mitigate security gaps in your Corporate Security Plans.

1. 1. Have a security plan. Make sure it includes:
   • Plan
   • Emergency Plan
   • Disaster Recovery

   Resource: Download TSA's comprehensive Security and Emergency Preparedness Template (Microsoft Word document)



2. 2. Review and update your security plan as needed. This should be done at least every 5 years, but it may be necessary for certain organizations to review and revise their security plan on a monthly basis.



3. 3. Designate a security coordinator. Document their activities.



4. 4. Monitor external sources for threat information. This may include the FBI, DHS, LEO and news outlets.



5. 5. Define and list critical assets.



6. 6. Take part in a vulnerability assessment.
• Use a standard to assess vulnerability.
• Get help from federal and state officials.


7. 7. Have a written IT security plan.
• Identify an information security officer.
• Prevent unauthorized access to IT systems.


8. 8. Implement employee background checks.
• Driving records
• Criminal records
• Credit history
• Employment history
• Employment eligibility


9. 9. Provide identification cards for employees.



10. 10. Conduct security training for new employees. Suggested training tools include:
    • Security Awareness Training CD (DoT)
    • Highway Watch Training (ATA)
    • School Transportation Security Awareness (TSA)
    • Security Self Assessment CD (TSA)


11. 11. Implment an intrusion detection system.
    • Door/window detectors
    • Motion alarms
    • Siren
    • Silent alarm
    • Security cameras

Additional Resources

TSA Resources:
As part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, TSA has many resources for you to learn more about transportation and corporate safety. To learn how you can receive pamphlets, DVDs and other helpful security materials, visit the Highway Security Counterterrorism Guides.

Westfield Resources:

• Visit our Risk Control page.
• Sign up for free email updates from our Risk Factors blog.
• Contact your Westfield agent or risk control representative for more information on mitigating security risks.

*This information is intended as a guideline to be used in conjunction with other risk control resources. It does not represent legal advice and does not amend the terms, conditions or coverage of your insurance policy. This information has been obtained from resources believed to be reliable, but Westfield Insurance cannot guarantee its reliability and does not assume liability for the information or suggestions presented.

Contact an independent agent today to learn more about insuring your business with Westfield. We’re here to help you.