5 Ways Employers Can Help Their Workers Avoid Car Accidents

In the state of Louisiana, most employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance to their employees. If an employer does not provide this insurance, he or she may be required to pay for an injured employee’s medical care, wage benefits, and other benefits out of pocket.

Even if the employer provides workers’ comp coverage, an injury to an employee can make the cost of insurance increase. Ultimately, it is in the employer’s best interests to help workers avoid injuries.

According to a 2016 report from CBS News that listed the 10 most dangerous jobs in the United States, “taxi driving” and “truck driving” ranked eighth and ninth respectively. The reason? Motor-vehicle accidents are among the top-five causes of unintentional injury deaths in the United States.

As such, it is imperative that business owners who employ drivers are proactive about helping their employees avoid accidents. Unfortunately, some employers are more concerned about profits than their employees’ safety.

If you were hurt in an on-the-job accident and you intend to file a workers’ comp claim, contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers. A Baton Rouge injury lawyer will evaluate your case and help you fight for the maximum compensation. If your employer or the insurance company disputes your claim, we will help you gather evidence to prove that you are entitled to benefits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling (337) 777-7777.

Read on to learn five strategies employers can use to help their workers avoid car accidents:

1. Give Each Driver a List of Policies and Procedures

Even if you hire a professional driver, it is important that you outline your company’s policies and procedures related to motor-vehicle safety. This will reinforce safe driving etiquette when you hire new employees, and workers can reference your driving policies when necessary.

Also, outlining your policies will make your drivers accountable for their actions. Make sure they understand the consequences of violating traffic laws.

2. Make Your Employees Sign a Driver Agreement

This is another strategy to reinforce accountability among your drivers. The agreement should state that the employee has read all of your company’s policies and procedures, understands the consequences of violating those policies, and agrees to drive responsibly at all times.

3. Lead by Example

If a manager does not follow traffic laws or violates the company’s policies, it is likely that an employee will do the same. Lead by example to encourage your workers to drive responsibly.

4. Conduct Background Checks on All New Drivers

A screening check should uncover information about a new employee’s driving record. Do not hire a driver with a history of traffic violations, accidents, or DUIs.

5. Buy Safe Vehicles

A car accident is less likely to happen in a vehicle with advanced safety features. Consider purchasing vehicles with lane departure warnings, anti-lock braking systems, backup cameras, and electronic stability control.

Unfortunately, even the safest vehicles are not immune to accidents. If you were injured in a collision while performing work-related duties, contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers.

A Baton Rouge accident attorney will help you navigate the workers’ compensation claims process. Call (337) 777-7777 today to schedule a free consultation.