LWCC Stresses Driver Safety in the “Mobile Workplace”

Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Corporation (LWCC) is reminding employers throughout the state to educate their employees about driving safely in the “mobile workplace.” As part of this campaign, the company is also recognizing the 10th annual Drive Safely Work Week national campaign (October 2 – 6), sponsored by the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS).

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration reports that every five seconds a motor vehicle crash occurs; every 10 seconds an injury occurs, and every 12 minutes someone dies in a job-related vehicle crash.

“Not all injuries occur at a physical workplace,” says Mike Dileo, vice president of operations for LWCC. “The fact is, many injuries occur while employees are driving on company business. Employers could greatly reduce risk, while protecting their company’s bottom line, by implementing a workplace driver safety program.”

While vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death and injury in the nation’s workforce, there are ways for employers to prevent these accidents and encourage responsible drivers. These include creating written policies and procedures, providing continuous driver training, performing motor vehicle record checks and rewarding employees who adhere to safe driving policies in the workplace.

“LWCC recognizes that for many employees their vehicle is their workplace,” says Dileo. “For companies with fleets of vehicles, it is especially crucial for driver safety education to be instituted by management, enforced by supervisors and adhered to by all.”

10 Things Employers Can Do To Minimize Crash Risk:

The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) 10-Step Program, as outlined by OSHA, provides guidelines for what an employer can do to improve traffic safety performance and minimize the risk of motor vehicle crashes. Adherence to these 10 steps can also help a company keep its insurance costs as low as possible.

1. Senior management commitment to and employee involvement in a workplace driver safety program
2. Written policies and procedures
3. Driver agreements
4. Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) checks
5. Crash reporting and investigation
6. Vehicle SELECTION, MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION
7. Disciplinary action system
8. Reward/incentive program
9. Driver training/communication
10. Regulatory .ompliance

10 Things Employees Can Do To Prevent Accidents While Driving for Company Business:

1. Plan your route
2. Maintain your vehicle
3. Focus your attention
4. Minimize your distractions
5. Know your surroundings
6. Share your space
7. Watch your speed
8. Keep your distance
9. Signal your intentions
10. Always wear your seat belt

*For further details and a link to the NETS 10-Step Program, or for general driver safety information, visit LWCC’s Web site at www.lwcc.com.

Source: LWCC