Motor vehicle accidents are the main cause of work-related deaths in the United States, accounting for more than one-third of all occupational deaths between 2003 and 2010.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, each year on average throughout that time period:
- On public highways, 1,275 employees were killed.
- Off-highway crashes claimed the lives of 311 workers.
- After being struck by a vehicle, 338 pedestrian employees were killed.
There are awful human tragedies hidden behind these statistics, most of which could have been avoided.
Human error is frequently to blame. When driving, people make mistakes that can be fatal.
This danger can be mitigated by increasing safety awareness through training and continual reinforcement of safe driving behaviors. The risks of a vehicle-related fatality will be significantly reduced if a firm emphasizes safe driving and makes it a part of the workplace culture.
Vehicle failures, on the other hand, can play a part in on-the-job motor vehicle fatalities. Brakes fail, a tire blows, and a truck jackknives and even the most cautious driver finds themselves in a life-or-death position.
Pre-use vehicle and trailer safety inspections are an important aspect in reducing occupational motor vehicle mortality. Driving is dangerous enough without having to worry about a vehicle that is not in good working order. There is also the problem of not using a vehicle that is appropriate for the job at hand. If the weather is hazardous, a 4-wheel truck may be necessary or using TCS Upfitting to make sure that your vehicle is properly fitted out for the conditions it is driving in.
What happens if you do not protect your employees out on the road?
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention quotes research that indicated that each workplace fatality cost employers more than $500,000 in direct and liability costs between 1998 and 2000. That was more than 20 years ago, so just imagine how much more it is now.
If a vehicle is utilized in the activities of the business, regardless of who owns it, that business may be held liable in the event of an accident involving that car.
Aside from liability concerns, there are all the other costs to consider: missed productivity, employee replacement, higher workers’ compensation premiums, vehicle damage, and so on.
Of course, the human factor is the most crucial issue in the end, however you can educate yourself on safety equipment that can protect yourself whilst in a vehicle to prevent any serious damage should an accident occur (you can go to osaki.blog to learn more about car safety equipment!). It really can be a difference between life and death without having safety measures in place.
Given the stakes, requiring employees to complete pre-use inspections before driving for work is a sensible and appropriate policy. It simply takes a few minutes to guarantee that a car is safe to use with an easy-to-use inspection checklist.
Vehicle inspections are required to protect both the firm and the driver. It also underscores the need of maintaining a safe environment for everyone in the vicinity, whether that is employees, customers, or the general public.
Making sure that your vehicles are well-maintained, undergo regular safety checks and that your employees are safe and considerate drivers goes a long way in protecting everyone out on the roads – and your business reputation.
