Although the total number of occupational accidents has fallen since 2008, the number of occupational traffic accidents is increasing. The figures from Fedris show this. But how can you reduce those figures? By setting up a well-thought-out traffic prevention policy and by taking the necessary measures. But how do you start to put together a traffic prevention policy?
Traffic prevention policy for preventing
accidents
The total number of occupational accidents has decreased in recent years, which is positive news. But, in relation to the total numbers, the share of occupational traffic accidents is increasing. In 2008, they accounted for 9.7% of all work-related accidents and for 11.5% of these in 2017.
With the winter weather on the horizon, the risk of occupational accidents due to snow or sleet increases. Of course, as a Prevention Advisor, you want to prevent as many traffic accidents as possible. We give you tips for initiating a traffic prevention policy, so you can anticipate problems and be prepared.
Developing a traffic prevention policy in 4
steps
For a good working method, base your policy on the ISO 39001 standard and incorporate it into an integrated management system. This standard is interesting for companies from all sectors, not just for transport companies.
1. Analysis
2. Vision and strategy
3. Measures and actions
4. Monitoring and evaluation
In addition, it is also useful to apply the ‘Plan-Do-Check-Act’, or PDCA, principle when implementing a traffic prevention policy. And since examples often makes things much clearer, we explain each step here in concrete terms.
Step 1. Analysis
To measure is to know
- Organize a measurement or counting system in the company parking. Check how many people wear their safety belts, use their mobile phones while driving or how many cyclists use their helmets, fluorescent safety vests or lights.
- Map out your occupational traffic accidents by creating an inventory of conflict points. At which locations do most bicycle accidents occur? This can be useful in future discussions with any municipal authorities.
Ask the employees to complete a survey, such as the De Grote Verkeersquiz (Great Traffic Quiz).
It is important to first find out where the pain points lie before moving on to the next step in the traffic prevention policy process.
Step 2. Vision and strategy
Define the company vision and strategy
- Establish traffic safety indicators.
- Create a policy within the company—related to smartphone use or wearing a bicycle helmet, for example—and link it to the employment regulations, if possible.
- Stimulate the involvement of Management by presenting a cost-benefit analysis, for example.
- Set up a working group on traffic safety.
Step 3. Measures and actions
Set up an ambitious but realistic action plan
- Monitor the purchasing policy. For example, purchase bicycle helmets that comply with the EN 1078 standard. Or, when leasing or purchasing company bicycles, such as e-bikes and high-speed ‘pedelecs’, be sure to pay attention to the safety aspects.
- Appoint a Mobility Coordinator and have him/her take the 4-day training course at the VSV (Flemish Association for Traffic Sciences).
- Organize awareness-raising campaigns. Campaign materials can be found at
- Establish a bicycle policy.
- Invest in vehicle fleet maintenance and winter tyres.
- Once a year, organize a bicycle inspection campaign.
- Inform workers about the dangers of driving too fast on the company site by installing speed limits signs.
- Consultation with local authorities.
- Tackle behavioural changes by applying the principle of ‘workplace nudging’.
- …
Step 4. Monitoring and evaluation
Find out what works and what doesn’t
- Compare the accident and incident figures over the long term.
- Take new measurements/counts to see whether smartphone use behind the wheel was, in fact, reduced, whether more people are wearing bicycle helmets, …
- Survey the employees
- …
Would you like advice on how to improve or
set up your company’s traffic prevention policy using our VARIO Online
software?
Based on the ISO 39001 standard or not: Our Prevention Advisors will be happy to help you.
After a comprehensive company review, we will work together with you to create an action plan. We can also draw up a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed preventive measures to help you convince your management.