According to the National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries from the U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers experienced 4,836 fatal workplace injuries in 2015, and roadway incident fatalities claimed more than one-quarter of the total. You can protect your organization’s most valuable asset — your employees — by promoting safe driving practices.
In worksite procedures and workplace signage, encourage these 10 safe driving practices to reduce the risks faced by your employees when they get behind the wheel:
- Inspect the vehicle. Check the lights, gauges, brakes, horn, tires, windshield wipers, fluids, belts and mirrors.
- Secure cargo such as tools and other equipment.
- Buckle up. A seatbelt reduces risk of death by 45 percent in cars and by 60 percent in light trucks.
- Drive defensively.
- Avoid distractions. Put down the cell phone and do not text.
- Don’t wear headphones or earbuds while driving.
- Avoid impairment.
- Avoid aggressive driving.
- Maintain a safe distance between moving vehicles and slow down during inclement weather.
- Take security measures. Carry vehicle information at all times, secure the vehicle and avoid parking lots with poor lighting or sightlines.
Pinnacol Resources
Visit Pinnacol’s Knowledge Center page on driving safety. The many resources on this webpage for policyholders include a sample driving and traffic violation policy, defensive driving quizzes, a vehicle safety checklist, seatbelt safety posters in English and Spanish, a short defensive driving video, and additional tools and tips to enhance the motor vehicle safety of your employees. Pinnacol’s website also lists online, interactive safe driving training available from J.J. Keller. Or, contact Pinnacol’s Safety On Call online or at (303) 361-4700 or (888) 501-4752. Our Safety Services team stands ready to answer questions and help keep your workers safe on the road.
