Road Safety At Work releases road safety resolutions

VICTORIA – Road Safety At Work has released a series of resolutions for small business owners whose employees drive during the winter months.

Driving is the leading cause of traumatic deaths in British Columbia, a Road Safety At Work release said, adding businesses have “legal responsibilities for employees who drive full time, part time, or occasionally. If they drive to make sales calls or assist clients, that’s driving for work. So is making deliveries, picking up supplies, and driving between jobsites.”

The five resolutions are:

Know and meet your responsibilities: Any vehicle used for work in B.C. is deemed a workplace and employers are required to address road safety in their occupational health and safety program when any employee drives for work, even when using their personal vehicle.
Check driver licences, provide vehicle orientation: Drivers should show their employers a copy of their current license and employers must ensure they’re trained employees to safely use the vehicle they drive for work purposes.
Identify hazards and reduce risks: Regularly identify and assess driving hazards, then take steps to reduce risks. WorkSafeBC has a RiskCheck online tool to guide employers through and assessment and action plan.
Address critical crash factors: Distracted driving, impaired driving including fatigue and speeding are among the leading contributors to crashes and Road Safety At Work encourages employers to create and implement work procedures to help prevent them using their policy and procedures templates.
Winterize road safety: Ensure drivers and vehicles are prepared for changing conditions by reviewing tips for safe winter driving with them.