In this webinar, we discuss the steps we take to involve all staff and volunteers in WH&S in Community Transport.

WH&S is the responsibility of everyone involved with Community Transport, as they operate in one of the most hazardous work places- the open road.

These drivers are now travelling an average of 150/200km per day per vehicle, with passenger trip kilometres traveled per year now exceeding 1,000,000kms Presenting this webinar is Colin Green, Assets and Safety Manager at Community Transport Inc.

Key outcomes

The major mechanism that has led to a mature safety approach to improving driving related work safety has been recognition that work driving is the major safety risk in the workplace. With this in mind, CBNCT has given work driving safety top priority in workplace safety. WHS is the first item on the agenda of all toolbox talks and is the major focus of safety in Board meetings.

Safety initiatives have provided driver volunteers a safe environment to serve their community as well as safer transport outcomes for passengers.

This is illustrated by the downward trend in frequency and severity of vehicle driving safety events.

CBNCT’s driving service has also enabled elderly drivers whose driving skills may have been difficult to maintain to surrender their driving licence without losing their independence. It joined with other community service providers in a “life after licences” campaign, which informed elderly drivers of the options available to them when deciding to surrender their driver’s licence.

Client response to safety initiatives has been positive, as they have improved driving safety outcomes, and service providers who service and repair

CBNCT vehicles are aware of its commitment to safety and advise any upcoming issues that may need attention before the next service. These issues are dealt with as a matter of priority. Involvement of all staff and volunteers in actively taking responsibility for work driving safety,  has become a cultural norm.

CBNCT’s key advice to organisations wanting to improve work driving safety is to establish work driving as the organisation’s most significant safety hazard and manage the issue according to WHS driving safety good practice.