Defensive Driving Presentation Construction Vehicle Hazards Defensive Driving

Defensive Driving Presentation (Construction Vehicle Hazards)

Defensive Driving AGENDA Ü Introduction/Statistics Company’s Driver Safety Performance Ü Construction Vehicle Hazards Ü Safety Videos Ü 15 Driver Safety Tips (handout)

General Discussion WHY DRIVER TRAINING? ÜDriving is something we all do daily. ÜIt’s the most dangerous thing we do, and is the number one killer of those under 50 years of age. ÜIt’s responsible for over 50% of all workrelated fatalities.

General Discussion Statistics Nationwide: – 40, 000 people die each year! – 115 drivers go to work today will never return! Missouri: – 180, 000 Collisions: w 90, 000 Injuries w 1, 100 Fatalities

General Discussion Continuation Ü Missouri Statistics: Leading cause of death in ages 5 -34 Results: One injury every 6 minutes Results: One death every 7 hours

General Discussion Continuation Ü Alcohol /Drug Related Collisions Injuries Recorded: – 7, 000 people were injured – 260 people were killed – Estimated Cost of 4 billion dollars

General Discussion Why Accidents Occur? Ü Most frequent causes of accidents Inattention to detail Speeding DWI/DUI Driving too fast for conditions Failed to yield

Driver Safety Accountability Drivers & Operators are responsible for safe operation of company vehicle & equip! – Company’s name rides with you wherever you go! – Company driver’s & truck becomes advertisement that can build good will and respect for your company.

Safety Performance

Continuation

Vehicle Hazards Construction Operations/Environment

Construction Vehicle Hazards Three (3) Basic Hazard types: – Operating Hazards – Parking Hazards – Maintenance Hazards

Operating Hazards Ü Types: Rollovers Striking workers/pedestrians Striking Overhead Objects (Inadequate clearance)

Operating Hazards 1) Rollovers (causes): – Exceeding the Load Limits – Inadequate loading methods. – Operating too fast for conditions!

Operating Hazards Ü 2) Striking workers/pedestrian on foot: Inadequate brakes Malfunctioning back-up alarms Op. neglects to check blind spot Improperly barricade areas from pedestrian access

Operating Hazards Ü 3) Striking overhead objects (causes): Inadequate clearances – Knocking down overhead wires and tree branches – Cab potentially becomes energized when vehicle /equipment hits overhead wires (shock hazards)!

Prevention Techniques Best management practices/strategies!

Prevention Techniques Ü Strategies (General): Use of hard hats & high visibility vests are vital! All drivers must be trained in the safe operation of vehicle & equipment!

Preventing Pedestrian Strikes Ü Perform regular maintenance! Brakes must be able to stop and hold fully loaded equipment. Verify back-up alarms work! Check for nearby workers before starting machine (Circle of Safety) use mirrors! Make sure glass is not distorted.

Preventing overhead obstructions Ü Instruct operators to check clearance each time they start vehicle & equipment. Ü Flag electrical lines to ensure visibility. Ü Maintain a safe distance from electrical lines!

Parking Hazards Ü Major Hazard associated with parked construction vehicles? Struck by other vehicles (traffic) w Employee parking should be away from construction work zones! w “Only Operating construction equipment “ is acceptable!

Preventing Parking strikes Ü Park equipment completely off the road (30 feet from the traffic) Ü Barricade vehicle and equipment that must stay on the road! Lights and flashers should be used as well. Ü Set all brakes when vehicles are not in use.

Continuation Ü Chock the wheels, especially when vehicles are on an incline. Ü Lower the equipment when parking a construction vehicle/equipment!

Maintenance Hazards Ü Refueling vehicles and equipment? (if so): Provide training on safe procedures for refueling, maintenance and repair! – Perform lockout/tagout as required – Chock disabled equipment!

Driver Training Lets watch a VIDEO!!!!!

General Discussion Driver Expectations? Ü Company expects high standards of performance, including safe driving. Ü Company expects not just safe driving performance, but award winning safety performance. WHY? Ü Because it’s possible!!

Driver Safety Practices (Defensive Driving Safety Tips)

15 in 30 1) Pre-Trip & Post Trip Inspection Take a walk around your vehicle. Windows clean? Lights/signals clean & working. Tires properly inflated / tread wear. Fluid leaks on the ground. Check the level of coolant in radiator Check engine oil, steering fluid and hydraulic fluid.

Continuation Ü Check the battery Ü Report any broken or defective equipment Ü Verify back up alarm is audible! Ü Make sure steps, catwalks and handholds free from grease, ice and loose materials. Ü Check belts! Report any frayed, worn or loose belts.

15 in 30 2) Inside the Vehicle Ü Check Seat Belts Ü Check Mirrors Ü Check horn, headlights, blinkers, and emergency flashers & wipers Ü Verify backup alarm is working Ü Check fuel gauges

15 in 30 3) Your State Of Mind Mental State: w Stress / Emotions / Attitudes w Drowsiness / Fatigue w Vision / Hearing w Alcohol

Myths about ALCOHOL Myth: Coffee will sober up a drinker. Fact: Coffee only makes a wide awake drunk. Myth: Strenuous exercise will sober up a drinker. Fact: Exercise makes a hot, sticky drunk. Myth: A cold shower will sober up a drinker. Fact: A cold shower only makes a cold, wet drunk. Myth: A cold swim will sober up a drinker. Fact: A cold swim could result in a dead drunk.

The Alcohol Process Ü When ingested, approximately 5% enters the blood stream directly thru the mouth and throat tissues. Ü 80% is absorbed thru the small intestine after passing thru the stomach. Ü Alcohol distributes itself to organs with the highest fluid content, concentrating on organs with large blood supplies like the brain and liver.

The Alcohol Process (continued) Ü Alcohol cannot be stored in tissue, and less than 10% is eliminated by the kidneys, lungs, and skin. Ü The liver eliminates the other 90% thru the process of oxidation. Ü The liver can eliminate approximately one drink per hour.

15 in 30 4) Getting the Big Picture Scan the road ahead – City (Approx. 1 block) – Rural (Approx. 1/4 mile) Keep your eyes moving. – Check your mirrors every 5 seconds.

15 in 30 5) Following Distance Speed & Stopping distance are key. Stay 3 to 4 seconds behind. Tailgaters Avoid quick changes. Increase your following distance. Don’t speed up. Avoid tricks. (Control emotions. )

15 in 30 6) Lane Changes Ü Check to make sure there is enough room. Ü Signal your intentions. Ü Check your blind spot and space again. Ü Make the lane change. Ü Blind Spots Don’t drive in someone else’s. Make yourself as visible as possible. (*At all times)

15 in 30 7) Avoiding On-the-Job Problems Ü Entering Job-sites: Check area thoroughly Watch for workers in the area Look for obstacles: – gas meters, phone/power lines, septic systems – Get help backing out of tight spots – Do not drive sideway on hills

15 in 30 8) Right-Of-Way Ü At an intersection, the vehicle on the right has the right to go first. NO ONE IS GUARANTEED THE RIGHT OF WAY.

15 in 30 9) Backing ÜUse extreme caution! ÜUse a helper (spotter) when possible! Consider using hand signals! – Look at your path. – Back slowly. – Back to the driver’s side when possible.

15 in 30 10) Ramps (On / Off) Ü Obey speed limits posted. – Speed limits designed for autos; larger vehicles need to go slower. Ü Exits going downhill and turning are particularly dangerous.

15 in 30 11) Signs Ü Regulatory Ü Warning Signs

15 in 30 12) Railroad Crossings Ü The cross buck is found at most public crossings. Ü These signs should be treated in the same manner as a yield sign.

15 in 30 13) Emergency Vehicles Immediately move to the right of your lane, to another lane, or to the shoulder if possible. 6 If moving right is not possible, stay where you are. Do not move left. 6

15 in 30 14) Winter Driving Ü IDENTIFYING SLIPPERY SURFACES. Shaded Areas - Shady parts of the road will remain icy and slippery after open areas have melted. Bridges - Bridges freeze before roads do. Melting Ice - Slight melting will make ice wet. Black Ice - If the temperature is below freezing and the road looks wet. Vehicle Ice - Open the window and feel the front of the mirror and antenna. (The road is icing up!)

15 in 30 15) Accident Reporting Ü Report any accident immediately, no matter how minor. Ü Get a police report whenever possible. Ü Complete the vehicle Accident Reporting Kit!