Roadway Safety at Work: The Overlooked Risk to Employees and Businesses 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, transportation incidents were the most frequent type of fatal event in the workplace in 2023, accounting for 1,942 deaths, or 36.8 percent of all occupational fatalities. 

As National Safety Month continues, this week’s theme, Roadway Safety, is a great reminder that the risks associated with occupational health in the workplace extend well beyond the four walls of an office building or warehouse.  

Driving is both physically demanding and mentally taxing, especially when it’s part of the job. Prolonged sitting, poor ergonomics, and stress from tight schedules can contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), while fatigue and distraction behind the wheel increase the risk of crashes. Failing to factor road-related health risks into your safety programs until an incident occurs is a costly mistake. 

Consider, too, that vehicle-related injuries and fatalities impact more than just the individuals involved — they could potentially disrupt operations, increase workers’ comp costs, and severely damage a company’s reputation. 

Roadway Safety by Industry: Who’s at Risk? 

Nearly every industry WorkCare serves involves some level of driving exposure. Here are a few examples: 

• Transportation and Logistics: Delivery drivers and freight operators are under pressure to meet deadlines, often working long hours with little rest. 
• Utilities and Field Services: Workers drive between job sites or respond to emergencies, sometimes in hazardous conditions. 
• Manufacturing and Distribution: Supervisors, inspectors, and support staff may travel between facilities or oversee supply chain logistics. 
• Education and School Districts: Staff and bus drivers manage student transport, often with limited support or outdated safety training. 

If these roles are part of your operations, roadway safety should be part of your prevention plan. 

Prevention Starts with Policy and Culture 

In addition to health services, employers should take practical steps to promote roadway safety: 

• Set clear safe driving policies (for example, no texting, mandatory seatbelt use, rest breaks). 

• Schedule shifts that reduce fatigue and allow recovery time. 

• Integrate roadway risk assessments into your overall safety programs. 

• Provide ongoing training and resources for drivers and mobile workers. 

• Use data from telematics or WorkCare assessments to inform process improvements. 

Let’s Make Roadway Safety a Year-Round Priority 

If your organization depends on employees who drive as part of their jobs — whether a few miles or hundreds each day — it’s time to revisit your roadway safety strategies. WorkCare can help you design a program to help reduce the risk of roadway incidents and create a culture of safety that extends beyond the job site. 

Looking for More? 

Check out these resources: 

• Blog: Protecting Your Employees During Distracted Driving Awareness Month: This article highlights the risks associated with distracted driving and accident prevention measures. 
• Blog: FMCSA Updates Commercial Driver Medical Criteria: Learn about the updates to the criteria used to qualify commercial motor vehicle operators for safe operations. 
• Blog: The Future Workplace: Realistic Mobile Device Policies: Employers’ and workers’ dependence on technology to stay connected underscores the need for forward-thinking policies on the use of smartphones and other handheld devices. 
• Blog: Workplace Safety Index Provides Injury Management Insights:  See where “roadway incidents” ranks among the top 10 causes of workplace injuries, according to the 2024 Workplace Safety Index.