From providing the proper safety equipment to analyzing workplace ergonomics, there’s no shortage of injury prevention strategies that employers can implement. But what about businesses that employ and depend on drivers to keep themselves running?
Learn how to reduce vehicle accidents in the workplace in this helpful guide. The tips below will help protect delivery drivers, tractor-trailer operators, and other mobile employees from harm.
1. Create Workplace Safety Policies
First and foremost, you must draft a safety policy if you don’t already have one. Employees should understand your company’s expectations and protocols. Outline all of your safe driving policies in one place, such as:
- Mandatory seatbelt use while operating a vehicle
- Caps on daily driving limits to minimize fatigue
- Rules regarding cell phone usage while driving
Have your workers sign an agreement that shows they acknowledge these policies and agree to follow them.
2. Develop Robust Driver Training Programs
Are you wondering how to reduce vehicle accidents in the workplace? A lot of accidents come down to a lack of training. You can keep your staff, plus other motorists and pedestrians, out of harm’s way by prioritizing training.
Require employees to pass rigorous training courses before they get behind the wheel for work. This is one of the best ways to prevent accidents, especially if they are operating large commercial vehicles like tractor-trailers or buses.
Have your employees go through periodic refresher training courses to ensure they don’t forget any protocol.
3. Prioritize Vehicle Maintenance
You may employ trained, cautious drivers. However, you may subject them and others on the road to danger if you ignore basic motor vehicle safety inspections and maintenance. Don’t forget to keep your fleet of vehicles in excellent condition between trips.
Every pre-trip risk assessment should check for the following:
- Broken headlights or brake lights
- Flat tires
- Leaking fluid
- Other visible damage
In addition to regular inspections, you must prioritize routine maintenance. Basic servicing, like oil changes and brake inspections, will help vehicles run properly and minimize safety risks for drivers.
4. Take Incident Reporting and Investigations Seriously
If you ask an expert how to reduce vehicle accidents in the workplace, they’ll tell you to update your incident reporting protocol. It doesn’t matter if a driver gets a flat tire during deliveries or if they collide with another vehicle. They should report the accident to their supervisor immediately.
Once your company learns about the incident, launch an investigation into what caused it. A thorough investigation can help you learn from past incidents and prevent others in the future.
For example, say one of your delivery drivers rear-ends someone, and witnesses say the driver was on their phone. To address this issue, you may have to extend certain disciplinary actions and reiterate the importance of eliminating distractions behind the wheel. Ignoring the cause of the accident could allow it to happen again.
5. Monitor Driver Performance
An employee may pass their training and claim to follow all safety protocols, but how can you tell if they’re actually being cautious on the road? Utilize traffic management systems to track their performance. Modern technology can give critical insight into someone’s driving performance, including their speed and any risky behaviors like hard braking.
It’s not just your current staff that you should keep an eye on. If you’re wondering how to reduce vehicle accidents in the workplace, make sure you hire drivers with a clean history. Check the motor vehicle record of job applicants to ensure they have a safe driving record.
6. Incentivize Good Driving
You may have to comply with certain industry regulations, such as standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. To remain compliant and keep your workforce safe, create incentives to reward good driving practices.
For instance, maybe you’ll offer drivers an extra day off for every year they drive without a safety incident. Other incentives could include bonuses or internal recognition. When your workers know there’s a reward for their driving performance, they may be more likely to comply with safety policies.
Promote a Healthier, Safer Workplace With WorkSafe
Now that you know how to reduce vehicle accidents in the workplace, why wait to implement these tips for truck drivers and other vehicle operators? No matter what industry you’re a part of, WorkSafe has personalized solutions to keep your employees safe and healthy. Contact us today for more information about our injury prevention services.
Call (316) 262-8800 or submit our online request form to get started.