Photo: Contributed
Okanagan employers are being reminded that winter driving increases the risk of being in a work-related motor vehicle crash.
The 13th annual Shift into Winter campaign is now under way, and it is reminding employers and supervisors to be prepared and plan ahead.
“Work-related driving in winter is dangerous in the Okanagan, regardless of how much or how little employees drive,” campaign spokesperson Louise Yako said in a press release.
Statistics show that the risk of being in a workplace motor vehicle crash increases by 27% between November and January. Crashes are the leading cause of workplace traumatic deaths in B.C.
The Shift into Winter campaign calls for employers to ensure their vehicles are safe and have the proper tires. Most importantly, it will keep employees safe. It is also good business.
“Preventing work-related vehicle crashes is smart business,” Yako said. “It directly benefits the employer, especially as businesses recover from the pandemic.”
The Winter Driving Safey Alliance suggests the following tips for employers and supervisors to help keep drivers safe on the job:
• Ensure drivers are aware of the risks they may be exposed to while driving, are trained, and have the equipment and supervision to keep themselves safe.
• Ask yourself: Does the employee have to drive? Could the business be conducted online or in a different way?
• Ensure vehicles are properly maintained and winterized, and have four matched winter tires that carry the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol.
• Make sure drivers know when and how to safely and properly install chains or other approved traction devices.
• Equip vehicles with a winter driving emergency kit.
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