1. How can an employer ensure safe driving?
The employer is responsible for the equipment and for ensuring that employees have the right skills required to operate it. The employer must also ensure that employees’ driving licences are in order.
Regular checks also encourage drivers to drive more carefully in their leisure time.
2. How can an employee influence vehicle safety?
The employee is responsible for their own skills, car maintenance and driving safety.
It is good to understand that, for example, the driving posture used to be taught wrongly. The driver’s chest should be 30-40 centimetres from the wheel. In addition, the driver needs to sit firmly on the seat, so that they can quickly swerve from one lane to another in an emergency.
You should allow enough time for driving and aim, for example, to always be at least fifteen minutes early.
No matter how good a driver you are, if you are angry or in the mood for a race, it cancels out everything good that you have learned. The right speed for the conditions and mood management are the key to safe driving.
3. What to pay attention to regarding equipment condition and choice of tyres?
The employer is responsible for maintaining its own equipment. All cranes, including small ones, require regular inspections. It would also be a good idea to appoint a person responsible for each device.
You should choose good quality tyres. From time to time, it is also a good idea to check whether your tyres are wearing unevenly. The tyres in the best condition should always be put on the rear axle.
Tyres also need to be changed at the right time. For example, winter tyres do not have rain grooves, which makes it easy for the car to begin hydroplaning or slipping in slush.
