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Did you know that distracted is one of the main causes of workplace deaths in the U.S.? Statistics collected by the National Safety Council (NSC) claim 1,600 workplace deaths occur from distracted driving every year. According to NSC’s statistics, mobile phone use while driving causes 1,000 more deaths than falls or accidents involving objects or equipment.
If these numbers are correct, it means employers have strong incentives to prevent distracted driving among their employees. There are several suggestions from the Centers for Disease Control that employers can use to prevent distracted driving among workers.
3 Tips for Preventing Workplace Distracted Driving
Technology and apps: The CDC recommends using technologies that prevent mobile phone use while driving. There are several products employers can use. For example, the company Cellcontrol has a product that stops email, texting, social media and web browsing while driving. It does allow navigational apps so workers can see where they are going. Cellcontrol is also tamper resistant. Apps like AT&T’s DriveMode serve the same purpose.
Develop a mobile phone policy: The CDC also recommends employers develop safe-use policies. These policies can establish rules such as no sending or responding to text message or using mobile phones while driving. Employers should have workers sign these policies so there is a clear understanding of what the consequences are for violations.
Educational programs: According to the CDC, employers can prevent distracted driving among workers by educating them on the risks. Employers can also educate workers on what they need to understand to follow workplace policies banning mobile phone use.
Employers should never pressure workers to use phones while driving. Tempting workers to pick up their phones while driving jeopardizes their safety. There is also no reason to have such a requirement. NSC show only 1 percent of businesses with a distracted driving policy suffered a decrease in performance.
The Ohio workers’ compensation lawyers at Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC are dedicated to helping people who have been injured at work.