Does your workplace safety program include steps to reduce the risks employees face when driving on the job in winter?
It needs to. Your safety responsibilities don’t change with the seasons. But you do need to address the additional driving hazards created by winter road and weather conditions.
Some of the biggest hazards to cover include:
- Driving too fast for the conditions.
- Lower visibility caused by blowing snow, fog, shorter daylight hours, and dirty windshields.
- Driver fatigue from working in cold, low-light conditions, or on long shifts.
- Driving in remote or rural locations where help may take longer to arrive.
The good news from Road Safety at Work is that most crashes can be prevented. By preparing vehicles, training drivers, and planning trips with safety in mind, employers can reduce risks, protect workers, and avoid costly disruptions.
Employer safety responsibilities
BC employers are responsible for employee safety whenever they drive or ride in any vehicle used for work. Examples include calling on clients, picking up office supplies, making deliveries, or riding with co-workers between job sites. Whatever the reason, the vehicle is their workplace.
Employer driving-related responsibilities apply even when employees use their own vehicles on the job.
What safety professionals can do
Proactive winter road safety planning includes:
- Ensuring that every employee who drives as part of their job has a valid driver’s licence and appropriate insurance if using their own vehicle.
- Making sure employees understand your winter driving policies and procedures and follow the rules on safe speeds, distracted driving, impairment, and seat belt use.
- Setting clear policy and procedures for vehicle readiness. Pre-trip inspections need to be conducted and vehicles maintained.
- Ensuring vehicles are equipped with winter tires that have a tread depth of at least 3.5 mm and are in good condition. Stock each vehicle with an emergency kit.
- Giving employees a thorough safety orientation that covers the vehicle’s safety features as well as winter driving skills.
- Requiring workers to check road and weather conditions at DriveBC.ca before they leave, and to maintain regular check-ins during travel. Delay or cancel trips when conditions aren’t safe.
- Making sure employees know what to do if they become stuck or stranded, or are in a crash.
Visit Road Safety at Work’s winter driving information for more resources, including tailgate meeting guides.
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