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Reader panel - Survey on business travel |
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Written by Administrator
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Friday, 14 November 2003 |
Modes of business travel, especially cars and planes, are some of the most hazard-fraught environments your employees will ever be in. But is travel considered an "occupational hazard?" Maybe - and if so, travel safety should be a priority item in a company's safety program. Or should it? We asked members of the COS Reader Panel how business travel is handled at their workplaces. Here's what our 130 respondents had to say:
1. Does your company's safety program address the issues of daily commuting and/or business travel?
Yes: 41%
No: 59%
Please explain:
"A driver safety program is an integral part of our overall safety program. We emphasize trip planning and also what we call the "Give Me Five" program, where we all drive 5 kph slower than we could..."
"Circulation of info brochures, e-mail correspondence, updates at meetings."
"Defensive driving course is mandatory for users of company vehicles or fleet rentals."
"I have enough difficulty getting personnel to think about safety during the workday. To get them to think about it while commuting or on business travel, has not been a priority..."
"If our staff are travelling for the purpose of company business be it to a meeting, conference or community event, it is the same as being at work. Our safety program applies, and the employee is covered by Workers Compensation should an injury occur."
"Never thought about it."
"We have approved hotels around the world. Procedures for travel include strict rules on modes of transport, health contacts in each country, security guidelines, regularly upgraded travel warnings or prohibitions by country, etc."
"We regard the driving on company business as 'working alone.' We are required to check in with a designated person every 2 hours in good weather and frequently during inclement weather."
2. In your job as a health and safety professional, how often do you travel out of town on business?
Daily: 6%
Weekly: 21%
Monthly: 26%
Every two months: 8%
Quarterly: 13%
Once or twice a year: 20%
Never: 6%
Most safety professionals travel out of town on business to some degree. Main reasons listed were meetings, seminars, conferences, and to perform their safety duties - auditing and inspecting other worksites, investigating accidents and training staff.
3. In your opinion, should companies invest in defensive driving courses for their employees?
Yes: 82%
No: 18%
4. Please choose the THREE most important travel safety concerns for your employees:
Safe driving to and from worksites: 84%
Business travellers' stress/burnout : 49%
Inherent risks of air travel : 27%
Protection from potential violence at business travel destinations: 45%
Protection from disease at business travel destinations: 35%
Deep-vein thrombosis, sciatica, and other hazards associated with cramped airplanes : 14%
Under "other", panelists listed additional travel safety concerns including driver fatigue, unhealthy eating, and the use of cell phones while driving.
5. Comments:
"Businesses should not be responsible for training employees, other than professional drivers. A more effective licensing process could ensure all drivers are capable and knowledgeable..."
"This is an area that most companies do not even think about or recognize as a safety issue."
"Employers seem to believe that business travel safety is a personal responsibility."
"Flight connections, deadlines to schedules, toting electronic equipment & brief cases and the increase of people at airports contributes to stress."
"Business travel, particularly in the GTA and 400 series highways is always an adventure and drivers need to have patience and defensive driving skills."
"Traveling to and from work in the northern oil patch is currently the most hazardous activity in the region."
"Air travel is becoming less advantageous both from a cost and time perspective. Connections and waiting times, security measures and lack of service are not favourable.
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