In today’s fast-paced environment, many temporary staffing agencies have chosen to provide group transportation services for their employees to the job site. An employer may choose to use their own fleet of vehicles for this purpose; or they may use a third-party shuttle, van, or bus service.
Providing transportation for those who may not otherwise have the means can be a valuable service to provide to host employers. It may be offered in situations where employees don’t have reliable transportation, or simply as a matter of convenience. However, employers who provide or are considering providing group transportation as a service must evaluate the risks that come along with it. For the purposes of this article, “group transportation” is defined as three to five (or more) employees in a single vehicle at one time.
Safety and Workers’ Compensation Considerations
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number one cause of on-the-job fatalities is due to motor vehicle accidents. The idea of multiple employees becoming involved in a serious transportation-related accident is frightening. Deciding to add group transportation as a part of your business operations increases this risk. Providing group transportation requires a thorough assessment of driver qualifications, vehicle safety, as well as proper vehicle maintenance considerations.
Driver Vetting Process
Drivers who transport others have a duty to provide great care to those individuals while on the road. Regardless of whether a company employs the driver directly or uses a third party, it is important to oversee the vetting process. Below are the items that, at a minimum, should be considered:
- Drivers should have prior experience, particularly with the vehicle they intend to operate. Additionally, drivers should have received thorough training on defensive driving principles. Driver training should incorporate both classroom and ‘field tests’ with the vehicle they will be operating.
- Obtaining thorough background checks, including driving history is an important step in the vetting process. Employers should develop a set of consistent, objective criteria to evaluate driving history. Drivers who don’t meet the necessary qualifications should not be allowed to operate a vehicle on company time.
- Each driver should hold appropriate licenses and applicable endorsements for their vehicles and adhere to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, where applicable. This includes employment physicals, pre-employment drug screening, and random drug screening protocols.
Vehicle Maintenance Oversight
If an employer owns the vehicle(s) they intend to use for group transportation, they must decide if the maintenance will be conducted in-house or will be completed by a third party. There are advantages and disadvantages to both options. However, many businesses utilize the services of a certified mechanic, with specific knowledge in the make/model of the vehicle(s), which is very important in maintaining safe operation. Follow the established maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual of each vehicle you own. If your company is going to lease the vehicle(s), i is important to determine if the leasing company will also provide the required maintenance. If this is the case, it is important to investigate the maintenance schedule that the leasing company will be following and discuss any differences in expectations.
Conclusion
Employers that provide group transportation have added risks to their organization. Understanding these risks will ensure all of the necessary steps are taken to mitigate these risks. Employers are encouraged to integrate these guidelines to ensure the safety of their workforce and others on the road.
About Prescient National
Workers’ Compensation specialist Prescient National provides risk-management services to organizations to assist in establishing strong safety protocols. Our consultation services are free to each policyholder and are tailored specifically to the organization’s unique needs.
