Posted by Dan Phelan on Tue, Jan 17, 2012 @ 07:57 AM
It's the middle of January, and finally time for our annual winter driving safety advisory! Next time it snows more than 2", keep these safety tips in mind before you get behind the wheel.
Clear Off Your Vehicle and Warm up Your Car:
Clear ALL snow and ice from your vehicle before you leave. We have all seen someone peaking through a small cleared area in their windshield—don’t be one of those people, you know who you are! Clear the windshield, side windows and rear window of all snow/ice and run the defrosters to clear all condensation. Clean off the headlights, turn signals and taillights. Dirty headlights can cut visibility by 50%. You need to see and to be seen, so take the time to properly clear off your vehicle before you depart. Be sure to let your vehicle warm up properly before you depart. If the vehicle is snowed in, clear a path in front of the tires and if possible, on each side under the vehicle so you don’t get stuck. Start out slowly to avoid spinning the tires and creating an even slipperier surface. If your wheels start to spin, let up on the accelerator until the traction returns. Sand, kitty litter, or even a floor mat, placed in front of the drive wheels, can be used to provide traction.
Use Your Headlights:
Visibility is reduced in the winter when it snowing, raining, sleeting and on cloudy days. You want to be seen, so use your headlights even during daylight hours. If there is fog, snow, rain, ect. use your low beams. NEVER use your parking lights on the road or on the highway; parking lights indicate to other drivers that the vehicle is stopped.
Watch for Trouble Spots:
Be aware of areas that are more likely to be slippery. Some dangerous areas include:
- Bridges that freeze before the roadway—even if there is no precipitation at the time, there will be left over snow/ice in place.
- Areas where the road is shaded may have ice you can’t see.
- Where the sun melts snow and the melted snow runs across the road—the run-off may refreeze on the road.
- Sand/gravel on the road will make curves dangerous.
Take it Easy:
Whether you are starting up, slowing down, stopping, turning, going around a curve, changing lanes or making any other maneuver, you need to do it in a gentle fashion and with more caution than you use under normal driving conditions. Four wheel drive doesn't help on ice!
Don't Tailgate:
You need to triple the distance you would normally leave between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead to compensate for the loss of traction. Even that may not be enough. Give yourself plenty of room to stop as gently as you can.
Slow Down:
Speed limits are based on normal road conditions. If you're going the normal speed limit on a wet road or one with ice or snow on it, you are going too fast! Slow down to compensate for the reduction of traction.
Braking With Anti-Lock Brakes:
Except in an emergency stopping situation, use the brakes gently as you would with the conventional brakes to avoid engaging the anti-lock system. Brake slow, gentle and early enough so you can stop slowly. In an emergency situation, you should push the brake pedal firmly. When the anti-lock braking system engages, you will typically feel the brake pedal pulse or vibrate against your foot. Do not pump the brake, remove your foot or lessen the pressure on the brake pedal. The system will keep the wheels from locking up and if necessary, you can steer the vehicle while stopping.
Braking Without Anti-Lock Brakes:
If you have conventional brakes, use the brakes in a gentle fashion. Apply the brake slow and in plenty of time so you do not have to hit the brakes hard. In an emergency situation, “squeeze” the brakes with slow steady pressure until they begin to lock. When you feel them start to lock and the wheels sliding, ease off until the wheels are rolling and then squeeze again. Don’t “pump” the brakes by hitting them hard.
What To Do If You Start to Skid:
If a skid develops, take the following actions:
- Take your foot off the accelerator immediately.
- Keep your foot OFF the brakes!
- Turn the steering wheel in the direction the rear end of the vehicle is sliding. If the rear end is sliding to the right, turn the wheel to the right. If the rear is sliding to the left, steer to the left.
- Once the vehicle has straightened out, steer gently in the direction you want to go.
Wear your seatbelt at all times.
Insist that passengers buckle up.
Put your cellphone away.
Keep a full tank of gas and remember to top off your washer fluid.
Your trunk should have a shovel, a warm blanket, and some emergency food in it in case you get stuck.
Posted by Dan Phelan on Tue, Dec 13, 2011 @ 02:06 PM
And in my humble opinion, it's about time this issue was addressed on the Federal level. As far as I know, the States have had their own authority on whether to put a law on the book regarding this issue, but a statement issued by the NTSB could very well be the catalyst to restoring order and safety to our highways.
From CNN:
Federal accident investigators Tuesday called for a nationwide ban on the use of cell phones and text messaging devices while driving.
The recommendation is the most far-reaching yet by the National Transportation Safety Board, which in the past 10 years has increasingly sought to limit the use of portable electronic devices. It has recommended such bans for novice drivers, school bus drivers and commercial truckers.
The new recommendation, if adopted by states, would outlaw non-emergency phone calls and texting by operators of every vehicle on the road.
It would not apply to hand-free devices or to passengers.
We've addressed cell phone laws from the risk management as well as the legal standpoint on this blog before, but our commentary has always been of someone in the state of Connecticut. CT Cell Phone Laws, Distracted Driver Penalties , OSHA & Distracted Driving
This legislation, if successful, will have far reaching risk management implications on every company policy, handbook, and insurance program. The announcement today by the NTSB follows the results of an investigation in which a 19 year old driver was found to have sent 6 texts, and received 5 in the 10 minutes prior to causing an accident that killed him, a 15 year old student, and injured another 38. LINK
Obviously, with legislation that is this far reaching, there will be complaints that the "constitution is being stepped on" "big brother is extending his reach further" and it probably won't be pushed through on the Federal level in the next 6 months. However, there are already 35 states with bans on texting and of those 35, 10 have full bans on the use of all handheld devices. I feel with that momentum on the national level, and this recommendation by the NTSB, it won't take much for the remaining 15 states to get on board. However, as anyone that has driven in CT knows, these laws are only as good as their enforcement.
Now, about the whole risk management and insurance angle of this...if this becomes a national law, or some derivative therein, there will be clauses, endorsements, and changes to many business auto and workers' comp policies regarding who will be liable if an on-duty employee causes an accident because they were on their phone. It's much too early to speculate on how that will shake down, but much like the hard market, it's coming. Thanks for not reading this while you were driving.
Posted by Dan Phelan on Tue, Jun 28, 2011 @ 12:46 PM
This isn't the first time we've talked about behind the wheel cell phone use here on the CRA Blog, and it probably won't be the last. For our out of state readers, you can probably skip this one since it only covers Connecticut cell phone law legislation.
We know that behind the wheel cell phone use without the use of hands-free device has been a ticketable offense in CT since 2005 when Gov. Rell signed the legislation that made CT one of the first states with this type of law on the books. Up until 2010, the law has been haphazardly enforced (IMO) and fines of $100 haven't been a strong enough deterrent to curb usage.
Here is what the current legislation/fines look like:
Current prohibitions:
- Texting outlawed for all drivers. Fines $100, then $150 and $200.
- Adult drivers (18 and older) must use hands-free devices while talking on cell phones or using a “mobile electronic device.” Fines for handheld cell phone use $100/$150/$200.
- Minors are prohibited from using wireless phones or other mobile electronic device while driving — with or without hands-free devices. $100 fine.
- School bus operators prohibited from using cell phones while driving. $100 fine.
- Use of video game players and DVD players banned for drivers.
New legislation for 2011 that has already passed the Joint Committee on Judiciary:
HB 6366: Would require law officers writing a summons under electronic distracted driving laws to seize and suspend driver’s license for 24-hour period, if there is a previous conviction. Increases penalties for second and subsequent violations to up to $500 plus possibility of three months’ imprisonment. First offense fines remain at $100. Latest legislative action: Approved by the Joint Committee on Judiciary in a 23-20 vote on April 14. (Judiciary Committee)
HB 6366 was approved, narrowly, by the Judiciary Committee on April 14. The panel decided to reword the bill so that police “may” impound repeat offenders’ drivers licenses — instead of “shall.” Rep. John W. Hetherington said the legislation that he proposed included the seizures so that, “If you violate the law, you take some risk and that might include a severe sanction.” Hetherington, R-New Canaan, is the ranking member of the committee.
Reps. William Tong and John Hetherington, who both represent New Canaan, are co-sponsors of each other’s distracted driving bills (above).
Law enforcement officers in Hartford conducted their final sweep of cell phone and texting violators, a crackdown that ran through March 4. The federal Department of Transportation funded the pilot campaign, which began in spring 2010 in Hartford and Syracuse, N.Y. In the “Phone in one hand. Ticket in the other” campaign’s three previous sweeps, 7,200 tickets were handed out in Hartford.
The town of New Canaan is fed up with distracted drivers. Local officials and police are studying the possibility of confiscating handheld cell phones from violators of the state law. Police stopped more than 150 motorists for talking on their cell phones between June and September 2010, as part of a local campaign against distracted drivers
If you can afford to own a car and a cell phone, you can probably afford a $100 citation. However, the loss of license for 24 hours in conjunction with a $500 fine for the 2nd infraction and every subsequent one, is the type of penalty that might finally get some people to buy a bluetooth.
Oh ya, back to the whole insurance and risk management thing. A $100 fine is one thing, having one of your employees whose primary job responsibility is driving a vehicle lose their license for 24 hours is a horse of another color. In this economy, the last thing a contractor needs is for the driver of a "heavy" to get pulled over in the 24 hours their license was suspended. Not the kind of public relations issue anyone wants to deal with. Not to mention what the repercussions for a CDL holder might be. Need help putting together a cellphone policy for your construction company? Give us a call at 800-252-9864.
Here's a few other posts we've written about CT driving laws
New Move Over Law in CT
Distracted Driving
Hang Up & Drive
Posted by Dan Phelan on Wed, Jun 08, 2011 @ 01:48 PM
It's coming folks! The weatherman is calling for temperatures in the upper 90's-low 100's to end the week here in Connecticut, and if you're stuck working outside, here's a few suggestions to stay safe:
Drink Plenty of Fluids
During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour.
Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
Don't drink liquids that contain alcohol, or large amounts of sugar—these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
Replace Salt and Minerals
Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. These are necessary for your body and must be replaced. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. However, if you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets.
Wear Appropriate Clothing and Sunscreen
Wear as little clothing as possible when you are at home. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids. It also causes pain and damages the skin. If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) along with sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels) 30 minutes prior to going out. Continue to reapply it according to the package directions.
Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully
If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body's thermostat will have a chance to recover.
Pace Yourself
If you are not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool area or at least into the shade, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.
Stay Cool Indoors
Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library—even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area. Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.
Use a Buddy System
When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness. If you are 65 years of age or older, have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave. If you know someone in this age group, check on them at least twice a day.
Monitor Those at High Risk
Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others.
- Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
- People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
- People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
- People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
- People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.
Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.
Adjust to the Environment
Be aware that any sudden change in temperature, such as an early summer heat wave, will be stressful to your body. You will have a greater tolerance for heat if you limit your physical activity until you become accustomed to the heat. If you travel to a hotter climate, allow several days to become acclimated before attempting any vigorous exercise, and work up to it gradually. Info from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp
Posted by Debbi Kuhne on Wed, May 18, 2011 @ 01:36 PM
"The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that approximately 3.3 million serious work-related injuries and about 4,300 fatalities occurred in 2009. The human cost of preventable workplace injuries and deaths is incalculable. However, according to the 2010 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, the direct cost of the most disabling workplace injuries and illnesses in 2008 amounted to $53.42 billion in U.S. workers compensation costs, more than one billion dollars per week. This money would be better spent on job creation and innovation. Injury and illness prevention programs are good for workers, good for business and good for America." - Dr. David Michaels Assistant Secretary of Labor
Does your construction company have an Injury Prevention Program, or do you just wait until an employee is injured? It is possible to prevent every injury, you just need to have a program in place and monitor it regularly.
OSHA has just released a new web page with east to use guides on how to implement an effective system for finding and fixing workplace hazards. Addressing the hazards before an accident occurs should be your #1 goal.
Most successful injury and illness prevention programs are based on a common set of key elements. These include: management leadership, worker participation, hazard identification, hazard prevention and control, education and training, and program evaluation and improvement.
You can access OSHA’s new web page at http://www.osha.gov/dsg/topics/safetyhealth/index.html
Posted by Dan Phelan on Thu, May 05, 2011 @ 09:39 AM
Day 3 of “Back to the Basics” is going to cover Contractor Commercial Property coverage. While there are several lines of coverage that cover various types of property and equipment, today’s post will specifically cover your buildings that you operate out of and store your machinery and equipment in. Later in our 13 part series, we’ll be addressing contractors equipment, property in transit, inland marine exposures, and builders risk.
What is it?
Contractor commercial property insurance is designed to cover damage to your existing buildings and the property inside and within 100 feet of these buildings. This policy covers claims for losses or damages in connection with the physical aspects of your facilities. And this coverage will only pay on losses for direct physical loss or damage from a covered cause to covered property that is located at the premises covered in your policy. Builders risk will be discussed next week to address property that is still under contruction.
Why should my construction company carry it?
We all show up to our offices every morning with the expectation that the office and everything inside of it will be just like we left it the night before. However, pesky things like fires, wind, falling trees, lightning, hail, smoke damage, vandalism, leaky sprinklers, and collapse(from specified causes) can sometimes disrupt this. And that’s where property insurance comes in. Several of the perils that property insurance covers are due to mother nature, and she has been consistently known to thwart even the most comprehensive loss prevention strategies. There are things that can happen to your building which most property policies will not cover. Such as wear and tear, mechanical breakdown, boiler explosion, FLOOD, sewer backup, snow/water damage to property outside, theft of building materials, off premises utility service interruption, and others depending on who your company has as an insurance carrier. Some of these exclusions can be added to a policy by endorsement or another insurance product. Give your agent or broker a call to discuss what your options are.
Types of Claims:
Each policy is different. And each policy will cover and exclude different perils (causes of loss). Property coverage has many nuances and options depending on where you are located, so please review your own policy, covered perils and exclusions with your agent. Please note also, that property and contents coverage usually has low limits on currency, software, intellectual property, and DOES NOT COVER EMPLOYEE THEFT OR DISHONESTY. Other insurance products are available to cover some of these risks, but do not assume that your property policy fully covers every piece of property under your roof.
Loss Control Suggestions:
Sprinklers are great for stopping fires from spreading and to get a discount on your property insurance. Security systems and exterior lighting are great for thwarting thefts and vandals and also help with insurance discounts. Don’t allow employees to smoke inside or burn candles, incense, etc. Use caution during the colder months when utilizing space heaters. If snow is building up on your roof like it was in Connecticut this year, clean it off periodically. If you have combustible materials in your shop or garage, make sure they are disposed of and stored properly. Common sense goes a long way in preventing many property losses. If you wouldn’t do it at home, don’t do it at work. A parting tip for you is to read the property section of your insurance policy. As far as insurance policies go, the perils and exclusions section of most commercial property policies are the most straight forward and easy to read. Most are clear on what is and what isn't covered. Questions on whether you have coverage for a certain peril? Call your agent. We're here to help, and preventing uncovered claims is a lot more fun than telling our clients they are going to have to pay for a new building with their own checkbook rather than the insurance company's.
Dan Phelan runs the marketing department at Construction Risk Advisors when he's not out helping his clients with risk management and insurance issues. If you want to connect on twitter, he's at @fixyourrisk and here on Facebook
It's great that Osama bin Laden is dead, but the folks in the South still need a lot of help! http://www.constructionriskadvisors.com/construction-risk-blog/bid/63278/Helping-Out-the-Tornado-Victims-in-Alabama-Updated-Contact-Info
Posted by Dan Phelan on Mon, May 02, 2011 @ 08:23 AM
Want to attend? Sign up HERE
Workplace Violence – think it can’t happen to you? Think again……
Statistics show it happens in all industries; manufacturing, retail, wholesale, even construction! Workplace violence is the fourth-leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the United States.
Violence in the workplace is a very real and serious safety and health issue. For that reason OSHA has even issued a guidebook for handling violence in the workplace and is discussing whether to implement standards!
There is no sure way to predict someone’s behavior; no specific profile of a potentially dangerous person. There may be warning signs, there may not be. Their hostile actions may not even be work-related, but arise from a domestic situation or “road rage” attitude.
Whatever the cause or the outcome, you as the employer need to provide a safe workplace for your employees. Do you have safeguards in place? Do your managers and employees know what to do if workplace violence occurs?
There are many ways to obtain information and training on this issue.
We are even offering a workshop to help educate employers.
This presentation/workshop focuses on recognizing the early warning signs that precedes an attack and how best to react if an incident occurs. Nationally, American businesses lose $32 to $36 billion a year in revenue, productivity, low employee morale, absenteeism and legal fees arising from the combination of workplace and domestic violence impacting the workplace.
Attend this seminar and learn how to create a healthy work environment as well as how to prevent problems before they happen.
Date: May 25, 2011
Registration: 8:30 a.m. Seminar: 9:00-12:00 p.m.
Presenter: Dennis Golden and Jennifer Lownik, IM-Safe
Location: Litchfield Insurance Group, 126 South Main Street, Torrington, Connecticut 06790
Want to Attend? Sign up HERE
Posted by Dan Phelan on Fri, Apr 15, 2011 @ 10:20 AM
Some tougher penalties for drivers using cellphones have just passed Connecticut's Judiciary Committee. Currently, the fines for being caught talking while driving are $100 for the 1st violation, $150 for the 2nd, and $200 for the 3rd and any subsequent violations. The new proposal would change these fines to $100 for the first, and $500 for any subsequent violations. Another proposed consequence for repeat offenders, is a 24 hour license suspension. If caught talking on the phone, the state or municipal officer that pulled you over would seize your license, and you would suffer the inconvenience of having to retrieve your license 24 hours later in the town or district where it was seized.
For work, I'm on the road fairly often and see plenty of contractors driving vehicles both small and very large while talking on their phones. Seeing someone driving a cement mixer or pulling an excavator while talking on the phone doesn't do much for my piece of mind!
Do you have a hands-free rule for your employees?
Is it in your employee handbook?
Is every employee at your construction company required to read and sign this handbook?
Are there any penalties for employees that are caught on their phone?
What would happen if one of your drivers had their license seized and couldn't legally operate one of your vehicles the next day?
What would happen if one of your drivers was pulled over during the 24 hours while their license was seized?
Regardless of your own thoughts on this matter, it is illegal to drive in the State of Connecticut while talking or texting on a cellphone without the use of a hands-free device.
Check back on our blog for updates as this bill moves through the House and Senate. Read more HERE
Posted by Dan Phelan on Thu, Apr 07, 2011 @ 08:43 AM
A former construction foreman has been charged with four felony counts in connection with a 2008 construction accident.
April 07, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In the same way that a drunk driving accident may result in criminal (DUI) charges as well as civil claims (for property damage or injuries caused in the accident), worksite accidents may also give rise to both criminal charges and civil claims for damages.
A recent case out of San Luis Obispo County is a perfect example where both civil and criminal consequences arose out of a construction accident. A construction site foreman was charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of violating the Labor Code in connection with a worksite accident in 2008 that resulted in the death of two men.
Criminal Charges
Two workers were removing struts from a pipe laid in a trench when an excavator working on another section of the trench reportedly struck a city water line. Both workers were trapped in the trench, and drowned.
According to the San Luis Obispo Tribune, the foreman instructed the workers to continue digging even though he had been warned that there was a water line in the excavation area. Investigation documents indicate confusion whether there were utility lines, reported the New Times. The foreman told investigators that he may have looked at a site map upside down, not seeing the water line marking, or that he may have relied on an unmarked map.
He now faces a total of six years and four months in jail if convicted of all four felony charges.
Civil Settlement and Fines
Criminal charges were not filed against the construction company; instead, the District Attorney sought and the company has agreed to pay monetary and safety reform. The construction company has agreed to pay $3 million, which will be divided among San Luis Obispo County, the California District Attorneys Association and the City of Paso Robles. The company will also adopt new safety procedures to improve employee safety at its excavation sites.
According to a company vice president, other settlements outside of court were also made with the families of the victims.
The company is appealing two $70,000 fines levied against it in early 2009 by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (better known as Cal/OSHA) for a serious and willful violation.
Recourse When Workers are Injured
While not every construction accident results in both criminal and civil consequences, injured workers still have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries -- in some instances pursuing damages against those whose negligence caused the worksite accident.
When a worker is injured in a construction-related accident, there are various types of recourse, including:
- Workers' compensation: Injured employees can file an administrative claim with the workers' compensation insurance for money for medical bills and lost wages
- Court settlement or litigation: Injured workers can file a civil action to pursue money damages
- Civil fines and penalties: State, federal or local agencies and entities may impose fines and penalties on the employer for safety or other violations.
- Criminal charges: The employer, or individual supervisors or co-employees, may face criminal charges when their role in the accident is so egregious as to rise to the level of criminal responsibility.
Not all recourse against the employer directly affects injured workers or their families. That is, civil fines or criminal charges are generally used to punish the employer, or as a basis for educating the employer and correcting the dangerous conditions that gave rise to the accident.
On the other hand, workers' compensation benefits are paid directly to the injured worker. Similarly, if a worker brings a courtroom action against the employer or supervisor, to the extent a jury award or court settlement is reached, that money would be paid directly to the injured worker. Verdicts and settlement money is used to compensate for medical expenses or loss of wages.
Jury awards can also be used to punish employers if the employer acted willfully, committed gross negligence or acted in disregard of humanity. In these instances, the court may impose punitive damages, which are awarded to the victim even though the purpose is to punish the employer.
Any workers who have suffered an illness or injury due to a workplace accident should contact a personal injury attorney to determine whether they have a claim for damages and to protect their right to claim those damages.
Article provided by Shapiro, Galving, Shapiro & Moran, PC
Visit their site at www.tadshapiroinjurylawyer.com
Posted by Debbi Kuhne on Tue, Mar 15, 2011 @ 10:46 AM
We all know that distracted driving has become an epidemic in the U.S. In 2009, the DOT reports, more than 5,400 people died in crashes linked to distraction. And yet, we continue to drive distracted.
As an employer, it is your obligation to provide a safe and healthy workplace. If that workplace happens to be a company vehicle, than make sure you have policies and procedures in place regarding the use of cell phones and texting while your employees are operating company vehicles and machinery.
OSHA has joined the ranks of those trying to combat this epidemic. If you are an employer who requires the use of cell phones or texting while driving, or who organizes workloads in such a way that texting is a necessity you could be setting yourself up for an OSHA citation and fine! If OSHA receives a complaint regarding the necessity of employees talking or texting while driving, they will investigate and where necessary assess citations and penalties!
So, save a life (or 2 or 3) and save a penalty – establish and enforce your policy today!
Here's another blog post on the subject, and one more