NIOSH outlines plan to reduce motor vehicle-related worker deaths

Washington – NIOSH has developed a new five-year research and prevention plan aimed at reducing work-related deaths caused by motor vehicle crashes – the leading cause of worker fatalities.

The institute’s Center for Motor Vehicle Safety defined areas of research and prevention initiatives and set performance measurements in the 2014-2018 plan, released May 1.

The center identified five specific goals:

1. Advance understanding of risk factors associated with work-related crashes
2. Reduce the incidence and severity of work-related crashes through engineering and technology-based safety interventions
3. Reduce the incidence and severity of work-related crashes through evidence-based road safety management policies
4. Reduce work-related crashes and injuries through national and international research collaborations
5. Enhance availability of guidance and products that help prevent work-related crashes

“Millions of workers in the United States are exposed to hazards of motor vehicle traffic,” NIOSH Director John Howard said in a press release announcing the plan. “The new strategic plan gives the center the flexibility to address emerging issues along with longstanding safety concerns.”