The next step involves applying your understanding of the driving-related hazards that employees face and taking action to address them.
The main elements of the Do phase are:
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Determining which controls and measures will be most effective in reducing exposures to the identified hazards
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Developing those controls and measures
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Implementing those controls and measures.
There are six main components at the Do stage:
1. Establish effective controls
Controls are measures used to eliminate or minimize exposure to hazards and to protect workers from harm. You may want to build controls from scratch or adapt existing ones to fit the driving circumstances in your workplace.
2. Focus on drivers
Whether you call them skills, qualifications, or competencies, it's important to know that employees who drive for work have what it takes to safely complete their driving assignments. That applies equally whether they drive their own vehicle for work or they drive a company vehicle.
3. Develop a Journey Management Plan
A plan to assess the hazards and identify the risks associated with the task of driving is a proactive way to manage worker safety. A Journey Management Plan usually begins by answering three questions:
i. Is it necessary to travel? (Consider alternatives such as working from home or teleconferencing.)
ii. If so, is it necessary to drive? (Consider alternatives such as using public transport or a ride-sharing service.)
iii. If so, what controls can be put in place to minimize the risks of driving? (Identify potential hazards and determine what measures or controls will be implemented to reduce the possible risks associated with them.)
Answering these questions may help your workers avoid unnecessary driving. If driving is necessary, controls such as pre-trip inspections and designated check-in times can reduces the risks.
4. Ensure safe vehicles
When selecting the vehicles that employees will drive for work, make sure that they are fit for the purpose, properly inspected and maintained, and repaired promptly. This is the easiest hazard exposure to manage and will minimize the risk that the condition of work vehicles may contribute to a crash.
5. Communicate
You may have a world-class road safety program, but it isn't worth much if employees or team members don’t know about it or don’t understand their role in it. That is why effective communication is an essential component of any successful road safety plan.
Employers should have effective systems in place to communicate important health and safety information to all affected employees. Safety bulletins, new safety requirements or other information should be provided to all employees. Some companies conduct regular Safety Talks for this function.
6. Provide necessary supervision
Employers must provide employees with the supervision necessary to ensure their safety. Being a supervisor means more than explaining expectations and making sure performance meets standards. An effective supervisor is also a good communicator, motivator, and role model who helps employees safely accomplish their driving tasks.