UAF Driver Training Environmental Health Safety and Risk

UAF Driver Training Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management

Objectives • • • At the end of this presentation you should be familiar with the following topics References Vehicle Insurance Who’s Insured? Privately Owned Vehicles Accident Questions & Notification Driver Responsibilities Rental Cars Prior to Driving an Unfamiliar Vehicle Foul Weather Driving Stranded – What to do Personal Safety

References • UAF Safety Policy and Procedure Document #701. – Hard copy in each department, or found at www. uaf. edu/safety – Check with your department, they may have additional policy and/or procedure. • National Safety Council – Fact Sheets • Shell Driver Safety Pamphlets

Vehicle Physical Damage Insurance UAF is self-insured through Risk Management for accidental damages. There is a $2, 500. 00 deductible per accident – The deductible is paid by the driver’s department regardless of fault. Damage beyond the deductible is paid through the self-insurance pool.

Vehicle Physical Damage Insurance • Exceptions – – The driver and/or department may be responsible if: • The vehicle is operated in violation of university policy, procedure, or regulation. • The operator is cited by any law enforcement authority. • The vehicle is operated other than for official business. Note: All cases will be individually reviewed to determine insurability.

Who’s Insured? • In all cases, (in UAF vehicles, or rented vehicles) injuries to: – UA Employee: Workers’ Compensation coverage is provided for employee in the course & scope of employment. – UA Student: There is no automatic coverage. If the student does not have personal coverage, it is strongly recommended that short term accident coverage be purchased for the trip through the Statewide Office of Risk Management.

Who’s Insured, cont. ? • In all cases, (in UAF vehicles, or rented vehicles) injuries to: – Other: The transportation of passengers who are not UA employees should first be cleared through UAF EHS&RM. The university does not carry insurance for non-employee passengers. The transportation of nonaffiliated passengers in UA vehicles is strongly discouraged unless the individual has access to personal accident insurance or is entitled to Workers’ Compensation coverage through his/her employer.

Privately Owned Vehicles (POV) • You are not required to drive your POV for official university business; however, you may “choose” to drive your POV. • The university does not provide any physical damage coverage for your POV. Your personal insurance carrier would be used. • The university provides liability coverage excess the liability insurance that you are required to carry by state law.

Vehicle Accidents • According to the National Safety Council, one in every eight drivers will be involved in a motor vehicle crash this year. That may mean you! Are you prepared? Would you know what to do & what questions to ask if you were involved in an accident?

Accident Notification • It is essential if you are in an accident you follow the below accident notification procedures: – INJURY accident – notify EHS&RM Call 911 then EHS&RM (474 -5413) immediately. – PROPERTY damage – notify Statewide Risk Management (450 -8152) within 48 -hours. – 3 rd PARTY motor vehicle accidents – notify Statewide Risk Management (450 - 8152) within 24 hours. • Additional info regarding 3 rd party - http: //www. alaska. edu/swrisk/

Accident Notification • For accidents that occur after normal business hours, on weekends, or on holidays: – Contact the UAF Emergency Dispatch Center at 474 -7721. • Dispatch will contact an EHS&RM safety officer.

If an Accident Occurs • Render or summon emergency services if needed (911). – Do not move an injured person unless they are in imminent danger. • Avoid moving vehicle unless there is a compelling safety reason, or you are instructed by law enforcement officer. • Cooperate with authorities. Provide factual and direct answers. – Avoid providing subjective perceptions and opinions. – Never admit liability or fault.

Accident Reporting • Record the police report number and obtain a copy of the report. – Keep record for your personal files. • If you hit a parked car, leave pertinent information on the parked car’s windshield. – Your name and telephone number – Date, time and place of accident • Fill out accident report form found in visor pack, or on line at www. uaf. edu/safety

UAF Visor Packs • Look in “visor pack” for: – Vehicle registration information. – Insurance card. – Accident forms. – Important phone numbers. – Pencil. – Pamphlet called “Help Along the Way. ”

Motor Vehicle Driver Responsibilities • Driver must be properly licensed. • No motor vehicle may be operated under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Wear seatbelts, it is an Alaska State Law. – As the driver, you must require that everyone wear their seatbelt.

Motor Vehicle Driver Responsibilities, cont. • Do not idle engines near building entrances or building fresh air intakes. – This can create indoor air quality concerns. • Do not overload the vehicle with passengers (everyone must have their own seatbelt) or material.

Motor Vehicle Driver Responsibilities, cont. • Do not allow people to get on or off the vehicle while in motion. • Do not allow riders in the vehicle who have not been provided with seats. – No seat, no seatbelt = no ride! • Please report any/all defective conditions to your supervisor or Facility Services Transportation Department (x 7000. )

Motor Vehicle Driver Responsibilities, cont. • Smoking is not permitted in UAF vehicles. • Cell phone use: We strongly urge you not to use a cell phone while driving. – If you must use the phone • pull off the road at a safe location, or have a passenger take or give a message on your behalf. • Don’t dial the phone or try taking notes while you are driving. • If you are unable to stop safely when the phone is ringing, let it go to voicemail.

Rental Car Success • Renting – Perform a detailed vehicle inspection. • Scratches, dents • Tire inflation – Record all noted deficiencies and bring them to the attention of rental agency. • Do this before leaving the parking lot! – NOTE: Often times, claims are very difficult to resolve if the above process is neglected.

Rental Cars, cont. • Returning – Perform a detailed vehicle inspection. • Check for damages, as you may not have noticed them. Example: the rental car was hit on the passenger side while parked in a parking lot, you as the driver may never see the damage unless you perform a vehicle inspection. – NOTE: Beware of express check-out services. They can trap employees into accepting damages as their responsibility.

Prior to Driving New/Different Vehicle • Adjust the rearview and sideview mirrors so that they’re in the right positions for you. • Look at the dashboard. Note location of the speedometer, temperature gauge, gas gauge and so on. • Locate the heater, windshield wiper and washer, defroster, and light switches. Turn them on and off to make sure that you know how they work. • Position the driver’s seat so that you feel comfortable and at ease behind the wheel.

Poor Driving Conditions • Slow down! – Posted speed limits are for “ideal” weather & maximum visibility. – Posted speed may not be valid in poor conditions, and you could be issued a citation by law enforcement authorities. • Completely clear vehicle of snow and ice.

Rules of Winter Driving • Make sure all movements are controlled and deliberate. Accelerate slowly to avoid loss of traction and subsequent loss of control. • Move in a manner that will allow others to adjust to your actions. • Anticipate actions of other drivers and DRIVE DEFENSIVELY. • Bridges and overpasses freeze before other road surfaces – use caution.

Winter Driving, cont. • Remember – “Smooth & Slow on ice & snow. ” Beware of “black ice” when the roadway appears dry but the color of the pavement is darker and dull looking. • Driving in winter conditions causes rapid mental and physical fatigue and reduces reaction times. • Pass with care: passing lanes are not as well maintained as driving lanes.

Winter Driving, cont. • Use greater following distances. Stopping distances on roads with ice & snow can triple over distance under normal conditions. Double or triple the 2 -second count rule to create a safety buffer zone behind the vehicle in front of yours.

Winter Driving, cont. • Brake & steer gently and deliberately. Brake carefully with short rapid application (pumping) of the brakes in non-antilock systems and steady pressure in vehicles equipped with antilock braking systems (ABS). • Turn on your low-beam headlights or fog lights whenever fog, rain or snow reduces visibility. High beams increase the glare and reduce visibility.

Driving Dangers • Blowouts – Do not slam on the brakes, you could easily lose control completely. • Front tire blowout: – Hang on tight with your hands at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions. – Take foot off gas and concentrate on staying in your lane. – Slow down and gradually pull off road. • Rear tire blowout: – Back of car will weave back and forth and vibrate. – Handle it the same way as a front tire blowout.

Counter Steering Driving Dangers Skids – Don’t hit the brakes hard, that generally makes things worse. – Take your foot off the gas and turn your steering wheel in the direction of the slide. • For example: If the rear of the vehicle is sliding to the right, then turn the steering wheel to the right. - See picture above.

Driving Dangers • Hydroplaning – Occurs when a thin layer of water causes your tires to lose contact with the road. • To correct hydroplaning – Simply ease foot off the accelerator. • This will allow the tires to regain contact with the road by pushing water out of the way. – Keep both hands on the steering wheel. – Don’t slam on the brakes.

Stranded – What To Do • Stay with the vehicle. – It is easy to become disoriented and lost in blowing, drifting snow and white-out conditions. – If you are offered a ride: • It is your decision whether to take the ride or not. Depending on the situation, you may or may not choose to ride. • If you choose to take a ride- please leave a note in the stranded vehicle: – Date, time of departure, where you are going, license plate and color make/model of vehicle you went in. – By leaving a note, this can assist the people who may be looking for you.

Stranded, cont. • • Lights off. Hood up, flashers on. Tie a bright-colored cloth to your antenna. Turn on the car’s engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater when the car is running. Also, turn on the car’s dome light when the car is running. • Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and slightly open a downwindow for ventilation. • Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

Stranded, cont. • Do minor exercises to keep up circulation. Clap hands and move arms and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in one position for too long. • If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping. For warmth, huddle together. • Maps, newspaper, car mats or interior cushions can be used for more insulation if you’re cold.

Stranded, cont. • Avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration. • Cell phone - turn off until ready to use

Personal Safety • Survival Bag – Bags are available to departments free of charge for people traveling any distance. Contact F. S. Transportation Dept. (x 7000) to reserve and pick up bag. • Traveling long distances (both in summer and in winter, Alaska weather can change very quickly) – Extra clothing, to include boots, jacket, hat and gloves. – Food and water. – Cell phone. – First Aid kit.

Summary • Contact EHS&RM for insurance information. • Wear seatbelts. • Know how the vehicle handles – Test drive before you go! • Remember you represent the University of Alaska Fairbanks

What Now? • For quiz –copy and paste URL into web browser: – http: //www. uaf. edu/safety/dt_quiz. htm – If you are unable to copy and paste the URL, please write the URL address on a piece of paper, open new web browser, and type in the URL. • Complete quiz, click the “send quiz to EHS&RM” button. • Your completion card will be inter-campus mailed once quiz has been verified. • NOTE: There is no need to contact EHS&RM to let us know you have finished the quiz. fysafety@uaf. edu is checked throughout the day, and completion cards will be promptly mailed to you.

EHS&RM Contact Info • Director: – Terry Dowdy 474 -7889 • Safety Officers: – Annette Chism 474 -6164 – Gary Beaudette 474 -2763 – Thadd Williamson 474 -2762 • Industrial Hygienist: – Sheila Simmons 474 -6771 Office direct line: 474 -5413 Office email: fysafety@uaf. edu