06/4/2008

On July 1, California's new cell phone law will go into effect, prohibiting individuals from using cell phones while driving, unless they use a hands-free device. A second law, which also takes effect on July 1, bans cell phone use by individuals under age 18 while operating a motor vehicle, even if the phone is equipped with a hands-free device.

Driving—the Number-One Cause of Workplace Fatalities

Until an accident happens, the act of driving a vehicle is generally taken for granted. Few people give any thought whatsoever to the fact that they are driving several thousand pounds of metal, plastic, and rubber that, if handled improperly, can cause significant property damage, injury, and death. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, vehicle crashes are the number-one cause of work-related deaths, accounting for approximately 22 percent of all work-related fatalities.

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sample cellular phone policy from Cal/OSHA Compliance Advisor. COCA has a sample cell phone policy you can download for free and tailor to your organization's needs.

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Distracted Drivers

Although there are a number of things that cause accidents, one of the most preventable is an accident caused by distractions. Cell phones, radios, iPods, CD players, PDAs, and GPS systems all can distract a driver enough to lead to an accident. Here are a few ways that you and your workers can help reduce the chance of a distracted driver accident:

• Drivers should limit their conversations even when using hands-free phones, or be prohibited from making and receiving calls while driving. Studies have shown that just engaging in conversation can impair driving abilities; and, despite our culture of instantaneous access, it really is not necessary, in most instances, to speak with someone who is driving. Make it a company practice that drivers only make or receive calls when the vehicle is stopped. Also, to help with communication, ask employees on the road to stop and check in at regular intervals.


• Do not purchase vehicles with GPS navigation systems or, if you do purchase them, instruct employees to program the GPS device only when the vehicle is stopped.


• Drivers should not change CDs or search iPod lists or radio stations while driving. They should, instead, set them up before putting the car into motion. Also, like telephone conversations, music can be distracting. Drivers should turn the volume down or turn the music off in heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions, and drivers should never use headphones of any type to listen to music.


• Whenever an employee drives an unfamiliar vehicle (like one from the company pool), require that the person familiarize himself or herself with the operation of certain key items such as wipers, lights, window controls, and seat and mirror adjustments before they start driving.


• Have all employee drivers go through a defensive driving course that includes information on everyday things that they generally do in vehicles without thinking that are distracting and should be avoided while driving, including eating, drinking, smoking, applying makeup, reading maps, searching through purses or briefcases, etc.

Steering, braking, shifting, watching out for other vehicles—driving by itself is an act of multitasking, and a car is not a moving office. Adding things to the driving environment that further divide the driver's attention increases the risk of an accident. Safe vehicle operation requires that a person focus on what he or she is doing—driving.

Reinforce the Safe Use of Cell Phones

Encourage drivers in your organization to use cell phones safely by putting your company's policy in writing. COCA's Cellular Phone Policy can help you do that. This sample policy is written in plain language and can be adapted depending on your company's and your employees' needs your copy today. It's free!