Survey shows a gap in knowledge of safety responsibilities, too

By Road Safety at Work

As National Road Safety Week (May 12 to 18) approaches, new research shows many B.C. employers overlook one of the most common and dangerous workplace hazards: driving on the job.

A recent survey by Road Safety at Work found that 51% of employers say work-related driving is not dangerous. Yet it’s the leading cause of traumatic work-related deaths in B.C.

“That gap between perception and reality puts workers at risk. Driving is one of the highest risk activities many workers do during their shift,” said Trace Acres, spokesperson for Road Safety at Work. “There’s a real opportunity here for employers to close that gap by adopting practices such as setting clear rules for driving, training employees, checking that drivers have the necessary skills, and ensuring vehicles are safe.”

WorkSafeBC statistics for 2020 through 2024 show that an average of 21 workers die from work-related vehicle crashes annually. Another 1,700 are injured and off work from work-related vehicle crashes every year.

The survey also found that a significant portion of employers don’t understand their driving-related safety responsibilities:

• Nearly a third (32%) didn’t know employers are legally responsible for the safety of employees who drive for work;
• More than a quarter (27%) didn’t know that a vehicle used for work is considered a workplace under the Workers Compensation Act;
• Just over 40% don’t provide driver orientation or onboarding for workers who drive for work.

Road Safety at Work is sharing these research findings ahead of national Road Safety Week as a reminder that driving for work — even occasionally — comes with clear responsibilities for employers. The requirements apply regardless of whether employees drive a company or a personal vehicle.

The research shows a pattern in how employers manage road safety. Many focus on immediate decisions, such as adjusting trips due to weather or driver fatigue. But fewer have longer term programs in place to help prevent crashes.

“Reacting to conditions on a given day is important,” said Acres. “But supervisors and workers may end up making split‑second decisions that should be guided by policies, training, and oversight.”

Employers don’t need complex programs to get started. Some of the steps to meet driving-related safety responsibilities include:

• Making sure employees are qualified to drive. Start by checking for a valid driver’s licence and asking for a copy of the driver’s abstract. If they are driving personal vehicle, ensure that they have adequate and appropriate insurance coverage.
• Providing employees with a safety orientation to the vehicle they will use and the driving tasks they will do. Ensuring employees are familiar with the vehicles they will operate, aware of potential road hazards, and equipped to manage those risks effectively.
• Providing safe driving policies and procedures. Establish clear driving expectations by reviewing company policies on seatbelt use, distracted driving, speeding, and impairment from fatigue, drugs, or alcohol .
• Assess employees’ driving knowledge and skills. Provide training to address any identified gaps, and ensure adequate supervision.
• Regularly inspecting and maintaining work vehicles to ensure they are in safe operating condition.

Employers and people who drive at work can find free resources to help prevent driving-related incidents by visiting RoadSafetyAtWork.ca.

e-KNOW file photo

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