OSHA joins with others to prevent fatal workplace motor vehicle incidents

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has joined with the National Safety Council and the Road to Zero Coalition to help prevent fatal worker injuries related to motor vehicle incidents, which are the leading cause of workplace deaths in the U.S., according to OSHA.

In 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found transportation-related incidents caused 36.8% of the 5,283 fatal work injuries in the U.S.

The joint initiative aims to reduce and prevent fatalities by fostering a culture of safety and preventive practices to protect workers on the road. OSHA wants employers to make safety a core principle by integrating safe driving and transportation practices into their businesses’ safety and health management systems.

“Unlike other workplaces, the roadway is not a closed environment,” said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker. “Preventing work-related roadway incidents requires a combination of traffic safety principles and sound safety management practices. By collaborating with the National Safety Council and the Road to Zero Coalition, we can promote safe driving policies to prevent needless tragedies.”

OSHA’s Motor Vehicle Safety webpage offers guidance for employers regarding developing written policies and procedures for workplace vehicle safety, including topics such as vehicle maintenance; seat belt use; and preventing distracted, drowsy and impaired driving. The webpage also highlights the importance of involving drivers in the process of creating and refining safety programs.

Date : Jan. 01, 0001