Jul 12, 2016
Road and Professional Risks
Many workers are required to use a vehicle as part of their professional duties. This is often the case for salespeople or delivery personnel, who make frequent commutes as part of their job. Consequently, they face greater exposure to professional road risks.
Key Statistics
In 2014, in Luxembourg's industrial sector (according to STATEC figures), road-related accidents reported by the Association Assurance Accident represented more than 20% of the total work accidents.
This underscores the importance of reducing these risks wherever possible to safeguard workers’ health and safety.
What Are The Risks?
Professional road use exposes workers to a variety of health and safety risks, including:
- Health Risks
- Exposure to exhaust gases that can harm the body.
- Noise pollution experienced during frequent travel.
- Musculoskeletal disorders caused by repetitive driving gestures or poor seating ergonomics.
- Muscle pain, for instance, caused by improper handling of loads (e.g., by delivery workers).
- Accident Risks
- Physical injuries (fractures, trauma).
- Brain injuries including concussions.
- Long-term disability or, in extreme cases, death.
How Can These Risks Be Minimized?
- Risk Evaluation
Employers must assess which employees are exposed, under what circumstances, and decide on preventive measures.
- Reducing Professional Travel:
- Favor alternatives like video or audio conferencing.
- Use public transport when possible.
- Employee Training:
- Provide ergonomic training for long driving sessions or heavy load management.
- Travel Planning:
- Manage and plan itineraries to avoid unnecessary trips.
- Consider factors like routes, weather, and meeting locations to optimize travel schedules.
- Vehicle Maintenance:
- Ensure that the car fleet used by employees is in good operating condition to avoid accidents caused by technical failures.
How SSTL Can Support
As an external prevention service, SSTL can assist employers and designated safety workers by:
- Evaluating road risks in the workplace.
- Providing tailored solutions to reduce these risks.
Feel free to contact us for more information.
