// Driving

Drivers - Distance (General)

What kinds of jobs involve driving? This profile refers to any worker who operates a motor vehicle for longer periods of time for work purposes.

foot protection high-visibility clothing

What kinds of jobs involve driving?

context This profile refers to any worker who operates a motor vehicle for longer periods of time for work purposes. This driving may include drivers of work or personal vehicles, those travelling from site to site, driving to an off-site meeting, picking up office supplies, etc. Many individuals drive as a major portion of their occupation – first response crews, surveyors, road repair and maintenance workers, sales, home care, trades, taxis, bus, van, public transit, school buses, tow trucks, and transports. While driving is a task that may be a part of many occupations, this document focuses mainly on those who drive long distances or for long times with few breaks (such as over two hours at a time).
context Please also see the OSH Answers document “Delivery Persons – General” for a description of common hazards involved for those who make deliveries and when duties also involve lifting or carrying.

What do drivers do?

What are some health and safety issues for drivers?

general Use of devices that cause distraction, including cellular phones, global positioning system (GPS) devices, etc.
general Sitting for long periods of time.
physical Vibration from road or vehicle.
general Being fit to drive (eyesight/night vision, medical conditions, etc.).
general Varying road and weather conditions, including winter driving.
psychosocial Working alone.
psychosocial Stress.
psychosocial Fatigue, shift work, late hours, or extended work days.
general Impairment.
general Night driving (time of day, reduced visibility, etc.).
safety Actions of other drivers (vehicle operation, “road rage”).
psychosocial Workplace violence (e.g., bullying, verbal abuse, physical attacks, robbery).
chemical Potential exposure to improperly labelled hazardous chemical products or biological materials (e.g., medical specimens).
safety Slips, trips and falls when exiting vehicles or checking loads.
general Work/Life balance - Impact of being away from family for long periods of time.

What are some preventive measures for drivers?

administrative Follow your organization’s safe driving policies and procedures.
requirement Plan ahead to use safer routes and travel at safer times.
requirement Keep equipment and vehicles in good mechanical condition and working order. Check your vehicle before each use.
requirement Set up the driver’s seat to suit your body best.
requirement Set up devices such as cellular phones and GPS to operate hands-free.
requirement Follow a recommended shiftwork pattern and know about the risks associated with shiftwork and extended workdays.
requirement Learn how to drive in winter conditions such as ice and snow, or avoid driving if it is not safe.
requirement Keep all areas clear of clutter and equipment, including the interior of the vehicle. Items should be stored securely.
ppe Use correct personal protective equipment and clothing, including safety footwear. Personal protective clothing includes high-visibility (HV) clothing.
requirement If working alone, use a cellular phone or have another way to stay in regular contact with your workplace.
requirement Learn how to avoid musculoskeletal pain or injury from sitting for long periods of time and physically awkward positions.
requirement Understand the effects of whole-body vibration.
requirement Take care to avoid slips, trips, and falls.
requirement Do not use or consume alcohol or other substances (including prescription medications) that may impair driving skills.
requirement Do not use stimulants to fight fatigue.
requirement Be aware of any hazards involved with the load you carry (such as dangerous goods, refrigeration requirements, etc.).
requirement Be aware of the hazards of persons, pets, etc. that might be left in a locked and enclosed vehicle when temperatures and sunlight exposure are very high.

What are some good general safe work practices?

Always:

requirement Always follow any laws that apply, including hours of work) and local traffic or highway laws.
requirement Wear your seatbelt.
requirement Know how to operate the vehicle safely, including using cellular phones and other devices, and drive to the current road conditions (including winter driving).
requirement Take regular breaks. Stand up, walk, and stretch.
requirement Eat healthy meals.
requirement Stop driving if you are tired (fatigued), or if it is not safe to continue.
administrative Know your company’s policies for emergency procedures, incident and accident reporting.
requirement Know how to check the vehicle before each use.
requirement Make sure the vehicle is maintained appropriately.
requirement Stay informed about chemical hazards, including WHMIS and Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG), where applicable.
requirement Be prepared for severe weather conditions (hot or cold).
requirement Learn about the risks associated with fatigue.
requirement Use appropriate shift rotations.
requirement Know if any effects from medicine could impair driving. Read the label, follow instructions, and ask your medical professional before driving.
administrative Practice safe work procedures when working alone, off-site, or handling money. Have a check-in procedure in place.
requirement Be aware of ways to prevent workplace violence (e.g., working alone, bullying, verbal abuse, physical attacks, robbery, etc.).
requirement Practice safe lifting techniques and materials handling (lifting, carrying, lowering, etc.).
requirement Prevent slips, trips and falls on level ground, stairways, and ladders.
requirement Do not leave people or pets in a locked, enclosed vehicle in extreme weather (e.g., heat or cold).
administrative Know how to report a hazard.
requirement Follow company safety rules.
requirement Fact sheet first published: 2016-09-28