Driver & Vehicle Safety

Transcription

1 5 WHS PROCEDURE P22-01 Page 1 of 8 Issue: 2 1. Intent The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory (TSA-AUE) is committed to the provision of a safe, healthy and injury free environment for all persons in the mission / ministry and operations under TSA-AUE control. TSA-AUE recognises the potential for personal harm and property damage that the driving of motor vehicles could present and we are committed to ensuring personal safety and effective operations by responsible vehicle and driver management. 2. Purpose To improve driver and vehicle safety for TSA-AUE officers / workers and other road users through ensuring that personnel operating or travelling in any vehicle while at work, or on their way to or from work, demonstrate safe and low-risk driving behaviours. The outcomes of this will result in: Improved driver skills and awareness; Reduction of possible injury to TSA-AUE drivers, road users and the public; Reduction motor vehicle accidents that involve TSA-AUE and workers own vehicles; Reduction of traffic accident at fault rates and infringement notices. 3. Definitions Company vehicle: Department: Incident: Officer: Senior managers: A vehicle provided and / or maintained by TSA-AUE for the purpose of performing work related functions. An entity within TSA-AUE organization with specific responsibilities to carry out the various functions and activities of, although ultimate control remains under TSA-AUE leadership. Any unplanned event resulting in, or having a potential for injury, illhealth, damage or other loss. A person who is specifically commissioned for ministry within TSA. This ministry ranges from evangelical to pastoral duties as well as community service and administrative responsibilities. Individuals within TSA-AUE who have the day-to-day responsibilities of managing the departments within the organization. 4. Methodology 1. Integrate driver and vehicle safety as a fundamental part of TSA-AUE s planning and WHS management system to promote safe and low-risk driving behaviours through awareness and where appropriate training. 2. Specify vehicle and safe driving requirements in job descriptions for roles where operating vehicles is an essential and intrinsic requirement of the role, or where persons may drive a TSA-AUE vehicle, or vehicle on behalf of TSA-AUE.

2 Page 2 of 8 Issue: 2 3. Ensure that where appropriate the officers / worker s induction process includes the awareness that personnel have an obligation for them to be fit to drive a vehicle. 4. Explain the implications of being convicted of drink-driving or other serious traffic offences and that in certain circumstances where the driving of a motor vehicle is an essential and intrinsic requirement of the role, the possibility of termination of their employment. 5. Require adherence to all relevant road and traffic rules and monitor that all persons required to perform driver duties or drive on behalf of TSA-AUE hold a valid driver licence and carry it on them at all times when they are driving. 6. Driver s licences shall be current, valid and of the relevant class and should be recorded as part of a skills and competency register, periodically monitored and personnel made aware of the need to inform TSA-AUE should they their licences become invalid or their status be altered. 7. Include basic operator pre use inspections for TSA-AUE motor vehicles as part of WHS Inspections. 8. Include regular manufacturers inspection and servicing requirements as part of the overall fleet management system to ensure that vehicles are in a sound operational and roadworthy condition. 9. Ensure all vehicles are appropriately registered and are comprehensively insured. 10. Where the use of a motor vehicle is a significant part of the workers role or where a company vehicle will be supplied TSA-AUE shall ensure the worker will undergo appropriate driver training. This should include: Vehicle Induction (a review of all aspects of the vehicles operation from the owner s manual) The contents of this procedure 11. Select vehicles based on operational requirements and where appropriate based on Aust New Car Assessment Programme and make safety features such as ABS, airbags and cargo barriers compulsory. 12. Require the reporting of all related accidents and incidents and conduct analysis of the nature and cause of accidents / incidents to reduce similar occurrences. 13. Educate officers / managers and drivers to avoid risk-taking when driving ensure trip scheduling is realistic, reducing fatigue or speeding. 14. Educate officer / managers and drivers about alcohol, drugs, driving, fatigue, speeding, seatbelts and mobile phones. 15. Consult with officers / workers on driver safety procedures.

3 Page 3 of 8 Issue: 2 5. Procedure Safe Driving Practices and Planning 1. Planning for driving long distances >2 hours is required by the driver and the officer / manager. Planning should include: a) Selecting a vehicle that is fit for purpose and suitable for all terrain likely to be encountered. b) Allowing to have a break every 2 hours, or more often if symptoms of fatigue are present; c) Allowing adequate time to arrive at the destination without having to rush; and, d) Ensuring that adequate nutrition and hydration is maintained to avoid the onset of fatigue. e) Checking environmental conditions in which the officer / worker will be driving, e.g. rain, fog, flooding, black ice. Extra time should be allocated where hazardous environmental conditions may be encountered. f) Driving behaviour should be modified to suit environmental conditions. 2. Work programs / schedules should not take precedence over staff safety. Officers / Managers and supervisors must assist by: a) Giving consideration to travel time when planning schedule and client or other requirements / visits, including the distance the TSA-AUE personnel travels from home to the first job, and at the end of the day, from the last visit to home; b) Rostering so that driving within the usual hours of sleeping (10pm to 5am) is avoided as much as possible; c) Ensuring work is planned to allow TSA-AUE personnel to have a minimum 10 hour break; d) Monitoring TSA-AUE personnel duties to identify if excessive working/driving hours are building up and to discuss with staff work planning, excessive hours and driver fatigue. Driver Fatigue 1. Driving when fatigued can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Personnel should not drive if they have been awake continuously for more than 16 hours. At that point, response rates are seriously reduced, even though other symptoms of fatigue may not be present. 2. Drivers should be made aware of the symptoms of fatigue and be able to recognise their onset. 3. Where symptoms of fatigue are present, the driver should, as very least, take a rest break, stretch and drink of water prior to resuming the journey.

4 Page 4 of 8 Issue: 2 4. On occasions a power nap may be appropriate. A power nap can be defined as a short sleep which terminates before the occurrence of deep sleep and is intended to quickly revitalize the subject. 5. Towards the end of the working day, where there is still considerable driving required (over 2 hours), and the symptoms of fatigue are present, the driver is encouraged to seek overnight accommodation and continue the journey the following day. 6. For safe driving, the following points should be taken into consideration: a) It is suggested that driving should not be undertaken for more than ten hours during any twenty-four hour period; b) It is desirable that driving time plus non-driving duties not exceed a total of twelve hours in any twenty-four hour period; c) Consideration should be given to staying overnight, if the total driving and nondriving duties exceed ten hours in any one day; d) It is advisable that a short rest break that incorporates some light physical activity such as walking be taken after a maximum period of two hours continuous driving; e) It is recommended that after three consecutive days of driving, the fourth day should be a non-driving day; f) State laws must be obeyed in connection with the consumption of alcohol or drugs; g) Due consideration should be given to the use of legal or prescribed drugs that may cause drowsiness or the loss of attention; h) Due consideration should be given to any conditions / recommendations or advice in regard to prescribed medications. Vehicle Breakdowns / Isolation 1. Officers / Managers / supervisors must ensure that drivers have an effective communication facilities and plan, know who to contact and what happens if contact is not made within a defined period. 2. When driving in remote, isolated or hazardous areas it is important for the driver to ensure an ample supply of water is available, a fully stocked first aid kit is in place and to notify the officer / manager / supervisor at time of departure and provide an estimated time of arrival (ETA). 3. The driver should then notify the officer / manager / supervisor at the appointed time. 4. Should the driver fail to make contact then the officer / manager / supervisor should commence to attempt contact in line with the agreed plan. Courteous and Patient Driving TSA-AUE promotes courteous driving, which includes driving appropriately for the road conditions, driving courteously by letting other vehicles merge and being patient at pedestrian crossings. This will discourage the potential for aggressive behaviour with others sharing the road. Courteous driving behaviour should also apply outside work hours and to partners or immediate relatives who have approval to drive the company vehicle.

5 Page 5 of 8 Issue: 2 Drugs and Alcohol 1. Drink driving is a common term used to cover the two offences which relate to drinking and driving: Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and exceeding the Prescribed Concentration of Alcohol (PCA). 2. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, who injure or kill another person while driving a motor vehicle, may be charged with an additional criminal offence (e.g. culpable driving) and sentenced to a term in prison. 3. Police forces can conduct random roadside saliva testing to detect the presence of three illegal drugs including: THC the active component in cannabis Methyl amphetamine also known as speed, ice or crystal meth 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) also known as ecstasy. These types of drugs have been shown to have the potential to increase the risk of road crashes. Laboratory testing, driving simulators and on road testing has shown that these drugs can impair performance on driving-related tasks. Any evidence of one or more of these drugs from a saliva or blood test will result in a traffic conviction. Some prescribed drugs can also impact on a person s ability to safely operate machinery including vehicles. It is the responsibility of the driver to advise their manager of any medication they are taking that may have an influence on their ability to drive a vehicle safely so that alternative arrangements can be considered. 4. Drivers are encouraged to maintain a zero drug and alcohol level. 5. Drivers are required to comply with the requirements of the Road Traffic Act. Vehicles as a Workplace The following issues need to be considered for safe work systems on the road: Ergonomics - vehicle e.g. seats, steering wheel adjusted to size and needs No smoking policy must be observed inside TSA-AUE vehicles. Storage - any documents, bags, tools etc must be stored appropriately and restrained e.g. cages fitted to station wagons, glove boxes and vehicle boot space. Any gear too large for secure vehicle transportation shall be transported via alternative means that can accommodate its size. Placarding any vehicles carrying designated quantities of Dangerous Goods shall be suitable for carrying such goods and be placarded in accordance with the requirements of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code. Employ appropriate manual handling techniques when necessary. Mobile Phones 1. Mobile phones should only be used by drivers in vehicles with a hands-free kit Refer Rule 300 (use of Mobile Phones) under the Australian Road Rules. 2. Driving while using a hand held mobile phone can cause both physical and mental distraction which impairs driving performance. Using a mobile phone while driving can significantly impair a driver s:

6 Page 6 of 8 Issue: 2 Reaction time. Ability to judge safe gaps in the traffic Visual search patterns. General awareness of other road users. Ability to maintain speed /position on the road. 3. Research shows that using a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of crashing by at least four times. The most common types of crashes associated with mobile usage are run-off-the-road crashes and rear end crashes. 4. Rule 300 (use of Mobile Phones) under the Australian Road Rules details what is and isn t legally acceptable use of a mobile phone while driving. Safe driving tips for using a mobile phone Never read or send text messages while driving Use voic instead of answering your phone while driving Pull over safely and park to make or receive a call Plan breaks in your trip for phone calls Tell your family and friends not to call when you know you ll be driving Never look up phone numbers while driving Driving in extreme weather Extreme weather such as heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning increases the hazards on the road. It is more difficult to see other vehicles, road signs and the road itself and the roads are potentially more slippery. To reduce these risks: If possible, stay off the road during heavy thunderstorms. Large flashes of lightning can temporarily blind and disorient drivers, and the accompanying high winds and heavy rain can create deadly driving conditions. Drive at slower speeds as it takes longer to stop or adjust in wet weather. Stay toward the middle lanes as water tends to pool in the outside lanes. Maintain a safe following distance (3 Second Rule). This needs to be increased in wet weather. Drive in the tracks of a car ahead of you. At night rainy roads become especially treacherous. The glare of oncoming lights, amplified by the rain on the windscreen, can cause temporary loss of visibility while substantially increasing driver fatigue. In rainy conditions pedestrians, livestock, and wildlife are extremely hard to spot and even harder to avoid. Water depth can be deceiving and the road may well be flooded. If the vehicle stalls in flooded waters do not stay with your vehicle - leave and move to higher ground immediately. The safest outcome is to not drive through flooded areas. If a flooded-out road is identified ahead, find an alternative route. Electronic doors and windows may not operate if the vehicle electronics are affected by water.

7 Page 7 of 8 Issue: 2 There are numerous other conditions that may require modifications to normal driving behaviour such as fog, sun glare and wind. Drivers should be vigilant of any such factors and assess and react with driving styles which are adjusted to reflect the increased risk. If in doubt the driver should stop until an assessment is made, and if required gain advice from an officer / manager / supervisor. 6. Monitoring and Review Compliance with this procedure shall be reviewed and its effectiveness evaluated across TSA- AUE, in accordance with the WHS Planning, Monitoring and Review and Auditing Procedures. Key aspects of this procedure s implementation shall be monitored via:- Vehicle Pre-use WHS Inspections Skills and Competency Register Management meeting minutes shall record the outcomes of any discussions relating to monitoring and review activities. 7. Auditable Records Auditable Record Responsibility Location Job Descriptions Induction documentation and records Skills and Competency Register Vehicle Pre-use WHS Inspections Vehicle manufacturer inspection & maintenance records Vehicle Registration & Comprehensive Insurance records Training records Vehicle Incident Reports and Investigations Driver Infringement Notices Work Programs / Schedules Communication plans WHS Committee / consultative forum meeting minutes Management Review Meeting minutes

8 Page 8 of 8 Issue: 2 Internal References TSA-AUE WHS Hazard Management policy WHS 004 TSA-AUE WHS Hazard Management procedure WHSP4-01 TSA-AUE WHS Hazard Identification procedure WHSP4-02 TSA-AUE WHS Risk Assessment and Control Procedure WHSP4-03 TSA-AUE WHS Driver and Vehicle safety policy WHS 022