Reduce Winter Driving Risks
Four Steps Employers Can Take
Winter is Mother Nature’s driving test for arts and entertainment workers who get behind the wheel on the job. As an employer, your job is to help ensure they pass the test.
What counts as work-related driving? Some examples are obvious, such as transporting crew, performers, production materials, and equipment between locations. But don’t overlook part-time or even occasional driving. Employees who scout and coordinate locations, pick up office supplies, or drive between venues are all driving for work — even when using their own vehicle.
Here’s why it matters: Vehicles used for work in B.C. are deemed workplaces, meaning you have legal responsibilities for employees and contractors in those vehicles.
In addition, driving may be the most dangerous thing your employees do at work, especially at this time of year. Crashes resulting in injury and time off work during November through January go up by 26% compared with other months, according to WorkSafeBC statistics for the last five years. Building winter road safety into your occupational health and safety plan can help reduce the risk.
Here are four steps from Road Safety at Work you can take to help reduce the risks.
Step 1: Know your safety responsibilities and how to meet them
Download Winter Driving: What Employers Need to Know. It explains steps you can take to comply with health and safety regulations at this time of year.
Step 2: Identify winter hazards and assess risk
Use the Winter Driving Risk Assessment Tool to figure out the hazards your employees are most likely to face. The Excel spreadsheet then helps you assess the level of risk and suggests actions you can take to help protect drivers. You’ll also be linked to resources you can use to implement your risk-reduction plans.
Some examples include:
- Ensure all vehicles used for work are maintained and equipped for winter driving (e.g., with proper winter tires and
chains, an emergency kit, and winter wiper blades). - Postpone or eliminate driving when conditions are poor. Use virtual meetings instead, if possible.
- Have drivers visit DriveBC.ca before travelling to check weather and road conditions.
Step 3: Review winter driving safety with staff
Put your rules in writing and review them with employees. Set safe driving expectations and supervise employees to make sure they’re meeting those expectations. Use the Winter Driving Safety Policy and Procedures Template to get started. It can be adapted
to suit organizations of any size.
Step 4: Train and educate drivers
All employees who drive as part of their job need winter driving orientation. Have them review the Driving for the Conditions Tool Kit and the Practical BC Winter Driving Tips webinar. Use the Winter Driving Safety Tailgate Meeting Guides, which cover eight topics and include practical tips you and your staff can use right away.
Article provided by Road Safety At Work. Visit RoadSafetyatWork.ca for more winter driving checklists, handouts, quizzes, and guides.
