Safety Focus: Motor Vehicle Safety

Between 2017 and 2019, there were 173 ALMA claims in maritime operations involving motor vehicle incidents. During this same time period, motor vehicle incidents have cost ALMA members more than $4.5 million dollars of incurred cost with the average cost of a claim at $26,300. The injuries resulting from vehicle incidents are not only costly but long-lasting and debilitating. Most of the vehicle incidents were caused by drivers not paying attention or by hazardous road conditions. The majority of these incidents didn’t take place on highways, but rather inside facilities involving golf carts, all-terrain vehicles, yard-use-only vehicles, utility tractor rigs, shuttle vehicles, and recreational vehicles. These vehicles are often carrying multiple passengers, thus magnifying the number of employees injured in a single event.  

Motor Vehicle Safety: What are the Exposures?

All vehicle incidents that occur inside of a maritime operation fall under the U.S. Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (USL&H). By following some simple recommendations, you can prevent exposure to injuries -- not only to yourself but others around you. This exposure also includes the high cost of vehicle repair or replacement. The safe operations of motor vehicles save lives and money.  

10 Ways to Minimize Crash Risk

• Gain senior management commitment and involve employees
• Have written policies and procedures (e.g., alcohol and drug use policy, seat belt use policy)
• Establish agreements with employees who drive for work purposes
• Check driving records of employees who drive at your facility
• Establish and enforce a crash reporting and investigation process
• Select, properly maintain and routinely inspect company vehicles
• Develop of strategy to determine the course of action after crashes
• Implement a driver reward/incentive program to encourage safe driving
• Provide continuous driver safety training and communication
• Ensure adherence to highway safety regulations

Source: NETS Traffic Safety Primer. More resources are available on the NETS website.