Abstract
Keywords
In the United States, motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are the leading cause of work-related deaths and injuries among workers (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023), costing employers $39 billion in 2019 (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health [NIOSH], 2022). MVCs are the leading cause of work-related deaths in both the transportation and warehousing industry, and oil and gas extraction industry (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). Workers in the oil and gas industry attributed the high number of MVCs to long commutes, lack of sleep, and nonstandard working shifts (Wingate et al., 2023). Researchers found that lack of seat belt use and falling asleep while driving contributed to deaths in this industry as well (Wingate et al., 2023).
The occupational health nurse (OHN) can provide educational programs that focus on passenger and operating motor vehicle safety. NIOSH (2022) provides resources, like info graphs and other educational tools to promote motor vehicle safety in the workplace, focusing on truck drivers, first responders, and oil and gas extraction workers. In 2010, NIOSH created the “Center for Motor Vehicle Safety” to conduct research and help develop strategies to prevent or reduce work-related MVCs. They have published articles and developed a guide, “Network of Employers for Traffic Safety” as well as a toolkit focused on patrol officers to promote motor vehicle safety (Network of Employers for Traffic Safety [NETS], 2022). The OHN can advocate for a work seatbelt policy requiring their use by the worker and creating an education campaign around seatbelt use (NIOSH, 2015). Reminding workers to wear their seat belts when ridesharing, riding in taxis, or with other workers, while not distracting the driver is an important part of their education. Rideshare drivers need to protect themselves while driving to prevent MVCs by wearing their seatbelt, avoiding distractions by not talking on phone or texting, and dropping off riders in a safe spot away from traffic. The OHN should educate and advocate for no handheld devices while driving as a company policy. Also, the importance of sleep hygiene and not driving while drowsy (NIOSH, 2015) should be emphasized, as driver fatigue is a significant cause of MVCs (NETS, 2022).
There are two worker populations toward whom the OHN can target additional training and education, younger and older workers. Both groups of workers are at high risk for death and involvement in MVCs. Older workers, 55 years of age and older, are more likely to wear seat belts and follow speed limits but this age group is twice as likely to die in an MVC than younger workers. Older workers are at higher risk due to physical and mental decline. The OHN can suggest reducing night driving hours during bad weather, discuss medication interference, and focus on their ability to drive rather than their age (NIOSH, 2024a). Younger drivers aged 16 to 24 have the highest rate of MVCs among drivers. Young drivers are less experienced and more likely to be involved in MVCs. The employer can focus on ensuring the younger drivers are aware of the safety features in the vehicle and limit their ability to drive certain vehicles due to inexperience (NIOSH, 2024b). The OHN and employer should check a young driver’s record, ensure they completed a driver education course, and that the worker has a valid license for the type of driving required for work. The OHN should advocate for driver safety and work with employers to ensure safe driving of their workforce.
