Study finds trucking companies need to look at their safety environment

A recent study of long haul truck drivers conducted by the Liberty Mutual Research Institute found companies need to evaluate the safety climates for their lone and remote employees, which relates to issues such as using a cellphone while driving, a practice that is now against the law.

"Both types of workers lack direct supervisory interaction and often encounter time constraints, weather, speed limits, and traffic conditions, all of which can take precedence over safety," said Emily Huang, the study's principal investigator.

Truck driving safety was one of the main drivers of the study, which was an effort to decipher if there is a link between a company's safety climate and actual safety performance, with injuries and safety hazards experienced by drivers.

According to Roanoke, Virginia, CBS affiliate WDBJ, recent trucking accidents are causing many to question the safety precautions and training measures that truckers in the area are subject to.

Despite the concerns, the news source reported that trucking instructors are stressing safety above all to their students, as well as telling drivers to always be aware of their surroundings.

Study finds trucking companies need to look at their safety environment

Monday, February 6th, 2012