Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and even fatalities. In 2011, road accidents accounted for at least 33% of all workplace fatalities. Whether employees drive their own vehicles or are given access to a company car or work provided vehicle, they are at risk of being involved in an accident whenever they are on the road. In order to combat the risks of driving at work, we have put together a list of safety tips that all employees should implement into their daily driving.
Vehicle Inspections
Many road crashes and accidents are caused by vehicular faults. Therefore, it is crucial that all work vehicles are regularly inspected and checked for any problems or issues before a trip is made. All employees who have access to a vehicle should be properly trained in inspecting the vehicle before setting off, including checking the lights, tires, gauges, fluid levels and properly adjusting the seat, steering wheel and mirrors. Employees should also visually inspect the car in order to detect any damage.
Emergency Supplies
Before setting out on a journey in a work vehicle, it’s important that all employees have emergency supplies available, such as a first aid kit, blankets, a flashlight, emergency phone numbers and any other items that will be of use should they be involved in an accident or breakdown. Carrying a car battery charger and jump start kit is also essential, and you can purchase these from autobodynow.com.
Secure Cargo
Loose cargo or personal items can be thrown around and can become a cause of injury to drivers or passengers in the event of a road accident. For this reason, all employees should be adequately trained in ensuring that all cargo is secure before setting out on a journey.
Wear a Seatbelt
Wearing a seatbelt is often the single most effective way to protect against injury or even death when a driver is involved in a traffic accident. Employers should strive to ensure that each and every one of their employees understands how crucial it is to wear a seatbelt when on the road, in order to prevent being slammed into the windshield, steering wheel, other parts of the interior, or even being thrown from the vehicle.
Avoid Distraction
Becoming distracted at the wheel is one of the most common causes of road accidents, and all it takes is for a driver to be distracted for just a few seconds for a tragic accident to occur. Employers should take every measure to ensure that employees remember that driving requires their full attention, and distraction such as using the telephone or texting whilst driving should be prohibited in a company vehicle. Eating, drinking, smoking, talking to others or adjusting radio controls can also distract from driving, and employees should be reminded to use extra care and discretion when doing such things.
How do you ensure that your employees stay safe on the roads? Which rules and regulations do you have in place? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.
Kidal Delonix is a contributor to Mr. Hoffman's blog. The views and opinions are entirely his/her own and may not reflect Mr Hoffman's views.
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