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THE
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Newsletter of the Canadian Association of Recycling Industries
Volume 5, No 10, October 2013
SAFETY TIPS
Road Tests
Conducting a road test is one of the best ways to ascertain whether a potential new hire will be a safe driver. The test allows employers to spot poor driving habits that, if uncorrected, could translate into serious crashes.
Behavior around the truck, even before getting on the highway, can be a good performance indicator. Note if the applicant conducts a thorough pre-trip inspection, and have the applicant perform a coupling procedure. If the applicant is uncertain about the process, future equipment damage or possible trailer separation claims are possible. An applicant who does not use the three-point-of-contact system when entering and exiting the truck cab is a potential worker’s compensation risk.
When on the roadway, monitor the applicant’s speed management and lane control, as these areas will offer an indication of the applicant’s vehicle control skills.
Pay particular attention to the applicant’s behaviour at intersections. Do they slow slightly and cover the brake upon approaching an intersection? When advancing after a stop, does the applicant check traffic left and right prior to entering the intersection? Make sure no rollback occurs once the vehicle begins to move.
Watch for braking in curves and turns. A driver that enters a curve too fast and brakes in the curve is at risk of a potential rollover crash. Make sure the applicant slows to at least 10 mph below the posted limit prior to the curve, and applies slight power through the curve or turn.
A driver’s observation skills are also important. After passing under a bridge that has a bridge height sign, ask the driver what the bridge height sign indicated. Watch to see that the applicant is checking their mirrors every few seconds; a fixed stare straight ahead can be an indicator of future lane change or turning accidents.
Be sure to test the applicant’s turning and visual search skills. Have the applicant do at least two right turns and at least two left turns, preferably somewhat tight on the right turns. If possible, conduct a double lane left turn at an intersection to ensure the driver knows the proper lane to be in for this maneuver. Look for proper set-up and observation skills before, during, and after the turn. If the applicant runs the trailer tires up over the curb, or is so far wide that a car could easily slide in beside the truck, a future right turn squeeze accident is likely. If a driver fails to check traffic to the rear during a left turn, it is likely that a future left turn squeeze accident might occur.
Monitor the applicant’s following distance habits, particularly when traffic on the freeway bunches up. Does the applicant take any corrective measures to regain following distance? A driver who is passive with this situation will be more likely to be involved in a rear-end crash in the future. Have the applicant do at least two backing maneuvers: a straight line backing maneuver into a dock, and an angle backing maneuver. Make sure the applicant gets out to look prior to backing.
Finally, establish a documented set route for your applicant road tests. The test should be long enough to get a true gauge of the applicant’s ability, and to check for the most significant risk factors. All applicants should be tested on the same route to ensure consistent test results.
Visit https://www.cowangroup.ca/cigl/pages/products-services/industry-programs/cari_en.jsf for more information.
CARI EVENTS
CARI’s 16th Annual Consumers’ Night
October 28, 2013
at the Hyatt Regency Hotel
in Toronto
For information on CARI events contact Donna Turner
at (905) 426-9313.
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS
October 2–4 Calgary, AB
2013 Waste Reduction Conference
Recycling Council of Alberta
www.recycle.ab.ca/conference
October 2–5 Long Beach, CA
2013 ISRI Operations Forum
ISRI
www.isri.org/opsforum
October 27–29 Warsaw, Poland
2013 World Recycling Convention and Exhibition
BIR
www.bir.org
November 13–15, Singapore
Electronics Recycling Asia 2013
ICM
www.icm.ch
Click the image above or visit this link for more information.
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