TIME TO GEAR UP ON DRIVER SAFETY
31 October 2005
Tanker Drivers; two workplace fatalities in two weeks!
Tanker Drivers; two workplace fatalities in two weeks! That is the grim news facing members of the Dairy Workers Union during the peak of the 05/06 season.
It is a reminder that the workplace takes many forms and the roads which we all know to be dangerous places are the work environments for many of our members.
All work environments can be made safer and we must strive to minimise the risk for tanker drivers.
Despite the need for the appropriate licence, driver induction and extensive training we have lost two members at work in the space of two weeks.
It is not good enough for us to say that this is simply bad luck.
It is time to have a good look at the hazards posed by the work, including shift work, stress and fatigue. It may be time for us to take more collective responsibility in designing our shift work to put safety as the number one priority.
It may be that the companies need to examine the pressures that go on drivers at the peak of the season.
The reasons may be many, complex and varied but it is time to engage more closely with the companies to identify the causes and reduce the likelihood of road accidents.
Our sympathy and condolences go out to friends and family.
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