Prepare For Winter

Jan 26, 2021 - 4 years ago

Preparing your truck fleet for winter — Establish procedures and practices for winter-specific trip inspections.
Photo credit: WorkSafe BC / Khalid Hawe.

Fleet operators and owners have an important role to play in keeping their drivers safe in winter conditions.
By Marnie Douglas, WorkSafe BC

Driving on B.C.’s highways during the winter months can be dangerous, particularly if you drive for work and need to be out on the road, rain or shine.
But staying safe in winter conditions is more than just checking the forecast and driving conditions — fleet operators and owners must ensure their vehicles are winterized and that drivers are prepared and educated in what to do in winter conditions.
“Our message is prepare for winter,” says Mark Ordeman, manager, OHS Consultation and Education Services, WorkSafeBC. “We want employers to be prepared for changing conditions and winter driving starting in October. It’s so important to be having those conversations now with your drivers.”
The number of work-related crashes in B.C. climbs sharply in winter months — from 482 on average in May, to 670 in November. B.C.’s mountain ranges, changing elevations, and unpredictable weather make it one of the most demanding winter driving environments in North America. For more than half the year — from early October to late April — weather
conditions can change from summer-like to winter over the course of several hours, adds Ordeman.

Tips on chaining up
One of the most important learnings for transport truck drivers is being properly equipped with chains and knowing how to chain up before hitting the road. On most major B.C. highways, large commercial vehicles must carry chains and/or have winter-rated tires from October 1 to April 30.
“Employers have a legal duty to provide instruction and training around chains to keep drivers safe on the job. Drivers should know how to install them, as well as where to install them. It takes preparation. Drivers should not be learning how to chain up on the side of a busy highway,” says Ordeman.

Some tips for chaining up include:

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Always apply chains when lights are flashing on designated chain-up routes or when overhead message signs specify chain-up is in effect. You can also visit drivebc.ca or call 1.800.550.4997 to get more information about when to chain.
Avoid the side of the road when applying chains. Watch for designated chain-up areas, accessible rest stops, and pullouts. Secure your vehicle, apply the parking brake and hazard lights, and turn off the engine. Leave space between yourself and the truck in front.
Make sure chains are the right size for your tires and inspect for any damage. Do a practice run and follow the manufacturer’s written instructions. When chains are on, do not exceed 50 km per hour and avoid bare pavement and hitting curbs.

Ordeman also points out that commercial winter tires have changed over the last several years. “Ten years ago, commercial winter tires were a heavy expense for fleet operators, both to purchase and to store. Now, fleet operators can work with tire dealers to store tires and do changeovers. It’s easier to manage costs.” To help educate employers and drivers of commercial vehicles about winter tires, the Winter Driving Safety Alliance has created a new resource, Running the Right Tires, which can be found on their website at shiftintowinter.ca.

Tips for fleet operators
Philip Choi, executive director at SafetyDriven — Trucking Safety Council of BC, suggests that employers should, at minimum, have a winter driving policy. He recommends having a “start of winter” meeting with staff and stresses that it takes a team effort between fleet managers, dispatchers, and drivers to work and be safe in harsh winter conditions. SafetyDriven is one
of the 20 members of the Winter Driving Safety Alliance, assisting with safety program development, training, and resources for those in the trucking and moving and storage industries.
“Ideally, managers will review various winter driving techniques and even spend time with their drivers observing their skills. Drivers should be encouraged to provide feedback about any driving-related safety concerns and to report hazards or concerns immediately,” says Choi.
SafetyDriven and the Winter Driving Safety Alliance also suggest that fleet operators should:

Ensure drivers check road and weather conditions before setting out on any trip — both departure and destination conditions. Visit DriveBC.ca and discuss current road conditions and upcoming weather events with your dispatcher.
Confirm that drivers are actively trip planning. If they’re not, review the trip planning process with them, and confirm that they understand it.
If new winter driving hazards are identified, assess the risk, put in measures to eliminate or minimize the risk, and ensure drivers know about the hazards and what to do.
Reward or acknowledge safe driving actions and decisions.

“Drivers are out there running more miles than anyone and in all weather. If a driver is on the road experiencing poor weather conditions, dispatchers can encourage them to find a safe place to park until the conditions improve,” Choi says. “Above all, safety must be top of mind.”

For more information
For winter driving information and resources visit shiftintowinter.ca.

Source: This article and photograph, originally published in WorkSafe Magazine (Nov/Dec 2020), has been used with permission from WorkSafeBC (© Workers’ Compensation Board of B.C.). To subscribe to WorkSafe Magazine, visit worksafemagazine.com.