Preventing Work-Related Distracted Driving Accidents

National studies have shown that the primary cause of death in the workplace is distracted driving. Distracted driving can be caused by drivers using a variety of hand-held or hands-free mobile devices.
The U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) sets the national standard for safety in the workplace and identifies distracted driving as linked with mobile device use while operating a motor vehicle.

Recently, OSHA has partnered with the Department of Transportation and the National Safety Council to draw attention to the problem of workplace distracted driving accidents, and to advocate for safe driving policies and enforcement in the workplace. National accident data has shown that the frequency of distracted driving accidents can be reduced if employers create and implement strict policies regarding safe driving and restricted mobile device use.

Employee Education and Policy Enforcement Safeguard Employees
Ethical employers should elect to impose even more stringent regulations than those suggested by OSHA in order to safeguard their employees and their business. A comprehensive safety policy must pair a high standard of compliance with employee education and strict policy enforcement.

Employees should be prohibited from using cell phones, including ones equipped with hands-free communication, or other electronic devices while using a vehicle connected with their employer. This should apply to company vehicles as well as to personal vehicles that are being used for company business. This policy should also extend to vehicles that are on company property. Standard procedures for company issued mobile phones must also be defined and implemented; employees should be restricted from the use of all cell phones or mobile devices while driving. Additionally, there should be specific protocols in place for when, where, and how employees can employ the use of mobile devices while traveling off site.

High safety standards and comprehensive employee compliance start with employee education. Employees should be made aware of company policies via updated and current employee handbooks. Employers have a duty to offer adequate training during the orientation of new workers, while refresher courses for veteran employees should be scheduled throughout the year. It is imperative that the rules and regulations regarding safe driving and mobile device misuse be enforced. Employees who violate company policy should be dealt with immediately and should be subject to penalties, including termination of employment if necessary.