Authorities say driving for work should not be deadly, but remains a top workplace risk.

A new workplace road safety guide from the South Australian government aims to reduce road-related injuries and fatalities for employees who drive as part of their job. 

With vehicle use as the leading cause of serious workplace injuries and deaths, the Workplace Road Safety Guide (PDF) lays out strategies to make road safety a priority for employers and employees.

The guide’s release comes as road incidents have accounted for half of all work-related deaths in South Australia from 2019 to 2023. 

Last year alone, 11 of the 17 work-related fatalities were from vehicle accidents. 

Nationally, data from Safe Work Australia shows that in 2023, 75 of 200 worker fatalities involved road incidents.

The guide includes practical resources like a pre-driving checklist and templates for workplace safety policies. 

Recommended policies cover seatbelt use, speeding, alcohol restrictions during work hours, and a mobile phone ban while driving, reinforcing safe driver behaviour as a professional responsibility.

Driver fatigue management is also highlighted, particularly for workers driving long distances or shifts. 

Employers are encouraged to create fatigue management plans and offer specialised driver training, such as towing and navigating unsealed roads.

In addition to vehicle safety, the guide advises workplaces to reduce road travel where possible by opting for virtual meetings and providing end-of-trip facilities to encourage walking or cycling to work.

SafeWork SA Executive Director Glenn Farrell says the guide is essential for road-safety-aware businesses.

“Identifying and then appropriately managing risks is one of the most important things businesses can do to keep workers and all other road users safe,” he said.

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