Driving may be the most dangerous thing East Kootenay drivers do at work, says the BC agency, Road Safety at Work.
Work-related crashes are the leading cause of traumatic workplace death in B.C. says Trace Acres, Program Director for Road Safety at Work.
From 2017-2021, WorkSafeBC statistics show an average of 20 people were killed in work-related vehicle crashes annually and another 1,400 were injured seriously enough to miss work. But a recent survey showed only 11 per cent of employers and 26 percent of employees believed driving for work was dangerous.
Even if it’s just running an errand, or travelling to off-site meetings, it is considered work-place driving.
A vehicle used for work is considered a workplace, which means employers have responsibilities for the safety of employees who drive or ride in a vehicle for work purposes. The law applies whether the vehicle belongs to the employer or the employee.
ICBC stats show that in Cranbrook there are 731 passenger vehicles and 2,820 commercial vehicles insured for business use. In Fernie, there are 195 passenger vehicles and 676 commercial vehicles. In Kimberley there are 221 passenger vehicles insured for work and 519 commercial vehicles. In Sparwood the numbers are 80 passenger vehicles and 505 commercial.
And the number could be higher as many people can insure their car for pleasure use and still use it for work-related driving for up to six days per month.
“Driving doesn’t have to be part of your job title or job description for you to be considered to be doing work-related driving. If you have to drive for any reason as part of your job, whether it’s full time, part time or only occasionally, you’re driving for work,” says Acres.
WorkSafeBC claims show that jobs with the most work related crashes include transport truck drivers, delivery and courier drivers, and transit operators. But here are also nurses aides and other patient service associates, who may travel between facilities during the course of a day, social and community service workers, construction trades helpers and labourers.
Road Safety at Work encourages drivers to follow the rules of the road; plan trips in advance; and keep your vehicle properly maintained. More safe driving tips can be found at RoadSafetyAtWork.ca
