Transportation
There are over one million workers in the transportation industry in Canada, making it the eleventh biggest in the country.
However, it ranks fifth for the number of incidents leading to claims with lost work time, mostly related to motor vehicle accidents.
Common Transportation Hazards
Distracted driving:
A major cause of accidents, often due to mobile phone use or multitasking while driving.
Slips and falls:
Occur frequently when entering or exiting vehicles, especially in poor weather conditions.
Changing weather conditions:
Adverse weather can lead to dangerous driving conditions, increasing the risk of accidents.
Ergonomic injuries:
Long hours of driving can lead to musculoskeletal issues.
Transportation accidents:
These include collisions and crashes, often due to human error, equipment failure, or poor road conditions.
Statistics and Facts
Workplace injuries
According to the WSIB, this industry is showing a negative trend on the safety index of 3.9% in the latest study. This is directly connected to a higher number of accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities in comparison to previous years.
19,000 claims
There were over 19,000 claims with lost work time in 2022 in this industry, with 93 fatalities.
Discover how Citation Canada can support transportation clients
Preventive Measures
When implementing preventive measures, employers should adhere to the hierarchy of controls to ensure the workplace is kept as safe as possible. If hazards cannot be eliminated or replaced, engineering controls should be used to protect workers. If engineering controls are not reasonable, administrative controls like training, improved safety procedures, risk assessments, and effective systems for reporting incidents should be implemented. Personal protective equipment is the lowest–order control in the hierarchy and should almost always be paired with a higher–order control to best protect workers.
Policies Against Mobile Use While Driving
Implementing strict policies that prohibit the use of mobile phones and other distractions while driving is crucial. These policies help drivers maintain focus on the road, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by inattentiveness.
Safe Entry and Exit Training
Providing drivers and workers with training on how to safely enter and exit vehicles and how to maintain their vehicle in safe condition can prevent slips and falls. This includes techniques like maintaining three points of contact when climbing in and out of trucks.
Ergonomic Training and Equipment
Providing ergonomic support, such as adjustable seats and steering wheels, and training drivers to maintain proper posture can alleviate the physical strain associated with long hours of driving.
Regular Vehicle Maintenance
Ensuring vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained is key to preventing mechanical failures that could lead to accidents. This includes checking brakes, tires, and other critical components. Standardized inspection checklists should be used to ensure vehicles are sufficiently maintained.
Advanced Weather Forecasting Tools
Equipping drivers with weather forecasting tools allows them to plan their routes and driving strategies according to current and predicted conditions. Training on driving techniques in adverse weather is vital in preventing weather-related accidents.
Speak to an expert today!
Whatever your Health & Safety challenges, Citation Canada has the tools to help you succeed. From expert advice and mandatory training to risk assessment capabilities, incident reporting tools, and much more, we offer advanced resources to help you take safety at your company to the next level.
