Think Vehicle Safety During WorkSafe Week

SYDNEY – October 29, 2010: VACC, in support of WorkSafe Week 2010 (October 25 – 29), insists that anyone associated with a work related vehicle reads the ‘Guide to Safe Work Related Driving’.

According to Safe Work Australia, during the period July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010, there were 124 work related notified fatalities in Australia. Vehicle accidents, including 10 on public roads, caused 26 fatalities.*

The Guide to Safe Work Related Driving is a booklet produced by WorkSafe Victoria, the Transport Accident Commission and VACC and is essential reading for employers of commercial and company vehicles, and their drivers.

The Guide covers important issues associated with work related vehicles including health and safety laws, risk management, selecting and maintaining a work related vehicle and managing factors such as speed, drugs and alcohol, fatigue and mobile phone use.

“The Guide to Safe Work Related Driving should be compulsory reading for employers and employees, who manage or drive any work related vehicle. Reading it could save lives,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.

“Put simply, work vehicles are work places and all health and safety regulations that apply to machinery and plant that you would find in a factory apply to a work related vehicle. Whether you manage a fleet or a single commercial vehicle, this Guide applies to you

“Drivers can no longer think a company car or works van is someone else’s problem. Drivers of work related vehicles have responsibilities and they should work with their fleet manager to comply with the relevant road safety laws.

“In particular, VACC encourages employers and employees to note the ‘maintain a safe fleet’ section. The Guide recommends regular vehicle servicing in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and scheduled annual vehicle inspections.

“Work place safety applies 24/7 but we hope that during WorkSafe Week all employers and employees stop to think about it,” Mr Purchase said.