Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1084319
139 2019 INDUSTRY RESOURCE DIRECTORY How can I ensure my company's policies related to vehicles and drivers' safety are clear and effective? Below are some basic topics for consideration. Consult with outside resources as needed to finalize your company's policies. This will ensure your policies meet your specific insurance requirements, as well as the safety requirements specific to your equipment. VEHICLES POLICY • A daily pre-inspection of company vehicles is recommended to ensure everything is in good working order. • Company vehicles should only be used for company business, and nonemployees should not be permitted to ride in vehicles under any circumstances. • Create a specific policy about what equipment may be hauled outside the cab of a truck and why, and how cargo should be strapped down, both for safety and to meet insurance requirements. • Write a clear policy for automatic shutdown of service vehicles, which includes a line item listing of conditions that warrant this action, and who to contact immediately when this order is deployed. SECURITY POLICY • Your company's security policy should include measures that ensure a safe work environment, such as locking gates, doors, and windows; setting alarm systems properly; not allowing strangers on company property; and reporting anything suspicious to management. • Staff should be instructed to call 911 immediately and err on the side of caution when reporting suspicious circumstances. FIRST AID POLICY • Outline the course of action when eyes or skin has had direct contact with deodorizers or other chemicals. • Have a clear policy for reporting job-related injuries, completing incident reports, and seeking medical attention. • If your organization has an authorized medical clinic for job-related injuries, this information should be clearly outlined and include driving directions to that location. COMPANY/STAFF • Company and staff should be directed to abide by all customer and OSHA job site rules. • Steel-toed boots (or shoes) should be worn when it is appropriate for the employee's role. • Prohibit alcoholic beverages, drugs, or firearms on company premises or in company vehicles. • No exceptions: Seat belts should be used in all company vehicles at all times. • Drivers must follow the law—which includes obeying speed limits and traffic signs. Outline in your policy when staff will be responsible for paying driving violation fines and traffic tickets. • Drivers should be instructed and reminded regularly to use caution—slow down in bad weather, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and change lanes with caution. • Holding a mobile cell phone is restricted for commercial motor vehicle drivers and can result in fines for the driver (up to $2,750) AND the employer (up to $11,000)! Drivers should avoid distractions and keep their attention on the road. • Create a specific policy for washing off tires of vehicles before leaving construction sites, if needed, and indicate who will pay fines or tickets related to tracking mud. • Have a clear policy about incidents—and include examples of the proper forms to fill out. Identify who to contact, outline clear direction for company expectations for taking photos, indicate when dispatching a tow truck is appropriate, discuss when to contact a supervisor, and add that at the company's discretion, incidents may result in written notice and/ or termination of staff. • Indicate when staff should provide copies of Motor Vehicle Reports to management. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the odds of being involved in a safety- critical event are six times greater for commercial motor vehicle drivers who engage in dialing a mobile phone while driving, and 23 times greater for those who text while driving, than for those who do not. Dialing drivers took their eyes off the road for an average of 3.8 seconds. At 55 mph, this equates to a driver traveling 306 feet—the approximate length of a football field—without looking at the roadway. Vehicle and Driver Safety Better worksites. Better weekends. Better world. EXCLUSIVE MEMBERS-ONLY CONTENT REDACTED Join us now at www.psai.org for access to this valuable information.