Washington — OSHA has joined the National Safety Council’s Road to Zero Coalition – an initiative aimed at reducing and preventing motor vehicle-related incidents by fostering a culture of safety and promoting preventive practices that protect workers on the nation’s roads.
Transportation-related incidents caused 37% of the nearly 5,300 fatal work-related injuries in 2023, according to data released Dec. 19 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“Unlike other workplaces, the roadway is not a closed environment,” OSHA administrator Doug Parker said in a Jan. 16 press release from NSC. “Preventing work-related roadway incidents requires a combination of traffic safety principles and sound safety management practices. By collaborating with the National Safety Council and the Road to Zero Coalition, we can promote safe driving policies to prevent needless tragedies.”
OSHA’s Motor Vehicle Safety webpage has guidance for employers on developing written policies and procedures for workplace vehicle safety. Topics include vehicle maintenance; seat belt use; and preventing distracted, drowsy and impaired driving.
“The most dangerous thing a person can do on the job is get in a vehicle,” said NSC President and CEO Lorraine M. Martin, who chairs the Road to Zero Coalition. “That’s what makes this partnership so critical.
“By joining Road to Zero, OSHA strengthens our ability to protect workers both on and off the job. Together, we can create safer roads for everyone – whether they are driving for work or sharing the roads with those who do.”
