The event on April
10 draws particular attention to distracted driving during
monthlong observance
WASHINGTON, March 29,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Driving is the leading cause of
work-related death each year in the
United States, with nearly 40% of deaths on the job
occurring on American roads according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics. A major contributing factor to road deaths each year,
including work-related fatalities, is distracted driving, which
takes thousands of lives on the country's roads annually and leaves
even more people seriously injured.
To address this heartbreaking reality and the need for key
stakeholders to come together on these intersecting safety topics,
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the
National Safety Council are convening a panel discussion on
the critical role employers play in roadway safety, "Roadway Safety
is Workplace Safety: The Need to Eliminate Distracted Driving," on
April 10 during Distracted Driving
Awareness Month. U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational
Safety and Health Douglas L. Parker and President and CEO of the
National Safety Council Lorraine Martin will be joined by Deputy
Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Sophie Shulman, Member Michael Graham of the National
Transportation Safety Board and a representative of the private
sector on the panel.
"Since their establishments, NSC and OSHA have worked with
employers to improve safety outcomes for workers," said
Lorraine Martin, president and CEO
of the National Safety Council. "Roadway safety is an integral
component of workplace safety, and employers can make a difference
in keeping those who drive to, from and for work as well
as those who share the road with them as safe as possible. We
are proud to host this event with our partners at the Department of
Labor and look forward to bringing leading workplace and roadway
safety voices to the table to address these issues and save
lives."
"Transportation incidents continue to be one of the leading
causes of death among America's workers. Understanding the risks of
distracted driving is critical to protecting not only workers while
on the road but those around them," said Douglas L. Parker, Assistant Secretary of Labor
for Occupational Safety and Health. "OSHA wants to make
sure that employers know their responsibility to have policies in
place for safe driving practices, including work practices and
procedures that do not contribute to distracted driving."
The event takes place at the United States Department of Labor
on April 10 at 2:30 p.m. ET. It is open to the public. Register
to attend in person or virtually.
About the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act
of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful
workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to help ensure
these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and
enforcing standards, and providing training, education and
assistance. For more information, visit osha.gov.
About the National Safety Council
The National Safety Council is America's leading nonprofit safety
advocate – and has been for 110 years. As a mission-based
organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of
preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace
and roadways. We create a culture of safety to not only keep people
safer at work, but also beyond the workplace so they can live their
fullest lives.
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SOURCE National Safety Council