Follow the procedure when an accident occurs
When a driver witness or is involved in an incident they must report it to their immediate supervisor, Safety Department personally, in writing or by phone, or through an online system if applicable, immediately. If the employee anticipates an accident due to perceived negligence or inadequate safety, they must notify their supervisors or the Safety Department as soon as possible so the accident can be prevented.
Depending on the incident, official forms have to be completed and submitted.
The accident and any sustained injuries must be recorded to an accident database or file.
The officials responsible must initiate an investigation or request an investigation from authorities if appropriate.
The employee who reported the accident has to cooperate if called in for questioning to provide details needed. As a general rule, the employee must provide information in the incident report as accurately as possible on the following:
- The place of the accident
- The date and time of the accident
- The people involved or injured
- Their position or involvement in the accident
- Their actions immediately after the accident
- Disciplinary Consequences
Logiflex places great importance on this policy. All employees are obliged to comply. Any employee that is discovered to have been aware of an accident and failed to report, it will face appropriate disciplinary consequences. When employees are the cause of an accident, they must report it immediately to minimize legal repercussions.
The first steps taken following an accident involving a commercial motor vehicle are extremely important.
All employees should know the proper procedures for handling accidents. Basic rules include the following:
- Drivers should immediately stop their vehicle after an accident of any kind. They should never leave the scene of an accident.
- Drivers should immediately activate flashers. If it’s possible to move the truck, it should be pulled off the road or as far to the side as possible to prevent further collisions.
- If the driver is injured, he or she should remain in the cab (unless necessary for safety) and wait for emergency medical assistance to arrive. Moving could cause further injury.
- If the driver is uninjured, he or she should check the accident scene for others who might be injured.
- Drivers should notify authorities, calling 911 or the highway patrol.
It’s also important to take steps to prevent further collisions and injuries. Uninjured drivers should set out reflective triangles or flares to warn other traffic.
In some cases, it may be necessary to deal with an emergency situation such as a fire or hazardous material spill. Drivers should check their vehicle to make sure no emergency situation exists.
Drivers should also try to assess any damage to the vehicle and/or the cargo.