OSHA partners DOT with a view of Protecting workers

An association between OSHA and U.S. DOT has been formed in order to fight against distracted driving. The main goal is to stop texting while driving on the job.

“It is imperative that employers eliminate financial and other incentives that encourage workers to text while driving. It is well recognized that texting while driving dramatically increases the risk of a motor vehicle injury or fatality.”, says Hilda L. Solis, Labor Secretary.

President Obama had signed an Executive Order related to safe driving last year. This order included the prohibition of federal employees from texting when they are driving. On the 21st of September, OSHA announced an initiative. The following points were included in it.

• A special campaign that will work on educating employers to discourage work related distracted driving.

• Reaching out to young employees by coordinating with the DOL partners and agencies.

• Investigate and issue penalties whenever a complaint is lodged regarding an employer that demands texting and driving.

• Partnering with organizations like the National Safety Council that aim towards reaching out to small employers.

Dr. David Michaels believes that it is the employer's duty to provide a hazard free work space. This is what the Occupational Safety and Health Act is all about. “We call upon all employers to prohibit any work policy or practice that requires or encourages workers to text while driving”, says he.