Be aware of road risks this Road Safety Week

Road Safety Week is being held this week, with the aim of raising awareness around road safety as well as remembering those who have died on Australian roads.

The road transport industry consistently records some of the highest numbers of work-related deaths, with road crashes representing the most common form of work-related fatality.

As a consequence, driving for work purposes poses a considerable risk to a worker’s health and safety.

Workers compensation claims caused by work-related vehicle incidents generally lead to more time off work when compared to most other workplace claims and vehicle crashes account for approximately 38% (average from 2007–2016 in Australia) of all worker fatalities.

Some of the biggest WHS risks for road transport workers include time pressures, shift work and fatigue, physical fitness, poor vehicle design, manual handling of heavy weights, working at height, and exposure to gases and fumes.

Business owners, managers and workers should contact their local work health and safety regulator for practical advice and guidance about ensuring their workplace and workers are safe.

This Road Safety Week, share the road responsibly and remember those who have lost their lives on the road network.

More information about the road transport industry is available on the Safe Work Australia website.

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Andrey Prokhorov