Flanked by winners of the ASSE Kids “Safety on the Job” poster contest, Foulke expressed his amazement at how the children were able to illustrate the necessary steps workers should take to protect themselves when driving a motor vehicle, whether it is a tractor or just a regular car.
“As these posters illustrate with great clarity and power, workplace safety and health is something we can all understand – and something very important to people of all ages,” Foulke said.
The theme of NAOSH Week 2007, which runs May 6-12, is “All Modes of Transportation.” Foulke reminded those present at the kickoff event that the agency has online resources that offer tips and best practices on how to stay safe when working in and around a motor vehicle and when commuting to and from work.
ASSE President Donald Jones Sr. noted that motor vehicle safety awareness remains a challenge. He cited recent traffic accidents – one of them involving New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine, who was not wearing his seat belt at the time of his April 12 car crash.
Jones said that these accidents are not uncommon and that he hopes that with further education and awareness they will no longer occur.
“If these young people get it, why can't we as adults?” Jones wondered.
Motor Vehicle Safety Resources Available Online
OSHA's Web site includes a Safety and Health Topics page on motor vehicle safety with fact sheets and other resources, including a downloadable QuickCard in Spanish and English that describes safe driving practices for employees.
OSHA also offers several guides – "Guidelines for Employers to Reduce Motor Vehicle Crashes" and "Operating Motor Vehicles: A Guide for Employees in the Automotive Repair Industry" – which are products of OSHA's alliances with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety and the Coordinating Committee for Automotive Repair.
For more on NAOSH Week 2007, read “NAOSH Week Targets Transportation Safety.”