Work-related motor vehicle crashes accounted for more than a third of all U.S. workplace deaths last year, prompting a new partnership between the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the National Safety Council and the Road to Zero Coalition aimed at improving safety for employees on the road.
Transportation-related incidents were the leading cause of workplace fatalities in 2023, representing 36.8 percent of the 5,283 fatal work injuries, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
In response, OSHA announced it is collaborating with the National Safety Council and the Road to Zero Coalition to encourage employers to prioritize motor vehicle safety within their broader health and safety programs.
“Unlike other workplaces, the roadway is not a closed environment,” said Doug Parker, assistant secretary for occupational safety and health. “Preventing work-related roadway incidents requires a combination of traffic safety principles and sound safety management practices.”
The initiative encourages employers to integrate safe driving practices into their safety management systems, including protocols around vehicle maintenance, seat belt use, and prevention of distracted, drowsy or impaired driving.
Lorraine Martin, president and CEO of the National Safety Council and chair of the Road to Zero Coalition, said vehicle-related dangers remain a top risk.
“The most dangerous thing a person can do on the job is get in a vehicle,” Martin said. “By joining Road to Zero, OSHA strengthens our ability to protect workers both on and off the job. Together, we can create safer roads for everyone – whether they are driving for work or sharing the roads with those who do.”
OSHA is also promoting its Motor Vehicle Safety webpage, which provides tools and guidance for employers to develop and maintain workplace driving safety programs. The agency notes that engaging drivers in developing these programs can help identify hazards and improve outcomes.
