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Abstract
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Background Previous truck safety research has been conducted overseas, in environments unlike NZ. In hundreds of workplace applications, Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) has decreased hazardous behaviours; yet BBS is largely untested with lone workers (ie, truck drivers). Still, the US Transportation Research Board determined that BBS 'had potential' for use within the transport industry.
Aims/Objectives/Purpose Our BBS programme is an applied psychological strategy that was designed for, and with the assistance of, NZ truck drivers. Our aim was to create a behavioural 'shift' to help reduce truck crashes, road fatalities, and injuries to truck drivers and other road users.
Methods We used key BBS techniques--including employee input, safety checklists, and positive feedback. Five driver groups (n=75) provided a multiple baseline, time-series design. The drivers completed short, simple, safety self-reports periodically during their workweeks.
Results/Outcomes Driver responses and alert ratings revealed decreased at-risk behaviours and improved 'per safe' scores. We found ownership (buy-in) and completion of programme varied between driver subgroups. Further planned investigation includes relationships between alert ratings/driver behaviours; fatigue levels/shift drivers; and group/individual differences.
Significance/Contribution to the Field Almost everything is delivered by truck in NZ and so we need to reduce the risks inherent to driving. Our safety programme offers a low-cost, worker-friendly strategy that can help reduce truck crashes, injuries, and other associated harm; additionally, it can easily be adapted to suit other professions.
This is an abstract of a presentation at Safety 2012, the 11th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, 1-4 October 2012, Michael Fowler Center, Wellington, New Zealand. Full text does not seem to be available for this abstract. |