Source: Trucknews.com

LANGLEY, B.C. — Attention hopeful female truck drivers in B.C., there is an opportunity that may be hard for you to pass up.

Valley Driving School is facilitating driver training for the YWCA’s Changing Gears program, which aims to get more women behind the wheel of a truck, and it’s free to all qualified applicants.

The program is a 23-week Class 1 driver training course for women who are on employment insurance or have received benefits within the past five years.

Joel Donnelly, operations at Valley Driving School, said training covers a variety of areas, including a combination of in-class, in-yard, and on-road instruction.

Students will learn about air brakes, the transportation of dangerous goods, the National Safety Code, and other topics in-class, while both city and mountain driving will be covered on the road, with 68 and 24 hours of instruction respectively.

The program has been offered for some time now, beginning in November of 2015.

“To date, there have been over 50 students who have successfully taken part in this amazing opportunity,” said Donnelly, “including a new intake.”

In addition to the employment insurance stipulation, there are several criteria women need to meet to take advantage of the Changing Gears program. They must possess a valid Class 5 B.C. driver’s license with a clean abstract, have no outstanding fines or bridge tolls, speak English, be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and be able to commit to the 23-weeks of full-time training.

Valley Driving School also requires a valid Class 1 learner’s license and the desire to become a safe, independent driver.

Valley Driving School does not limit itself to helping women get into the industry. It also partners with organizations like WorkSafeBC and Douglas College to entice both men and women into trucking.

The YWCA’s Changing Gears program is a project-based labour market training program.

It is funded through WorkBC to support projects that provide benefits to the community and to individuals with a combination of on- and off-the-job training delivered under a project-based training model to assist eligible individuals obtain the skills they need for employment.

Valley Driving School, which has been providing driver training since 1955, offers customized instruction to aspiring drivers of all ages.

“Our programs are designed to include one-on-one on-road training with a strong focus on road safety and accident prevention,” said Donnelly.

The school is also a supporter of the implementation of a mandatory entry-level training (MELT) program in B.C. for Class 1 drivers.

“MELT for commercial driver training, done with proper thought, consultation, and consideration,” said Donnelly, “would only serve to better prepare individuals and provide a stronger base for safe, independent driving within the commercial transportation industry.”

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Source: Truckinginfo.com

More than 1,600 commercial vehicles were placed out of service during an unannounced brake inspection blitz in May conducted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s law enforcement members.

On May 15, 2019, law enforcement personnel from 55 jurisdictions in the U.S. and Canada conducted 10,358 commercial motor vehicle inspections, focused on brake system violations. Of those inspections, 16.1% of vehicles (1,667) were found to have brake-related critical vehicle inspection items.

Inspectors paid particular attention to violations involving brake hoses and tubing. The event found 996 units with chafed rubber hoses and 185 units with chafed thermoplastic hoses. All told, there were 1,125 violations of 49 Code of Federal Regulations § 393.45 and Canadian equivalent violations that included chafed rubber hoses and 124 violations of 49 Code of Federal Regulations § 393.45 and Canadian equivalent violations that included kinked thermoplastic hoses.

“Brake hoses and tubing must be properly attached, undamaged, without leaks and appropriately flexible,” said Chief Jay Thompson with the Arkansas Highway Police, CVSA president. “Because they are such an important part of the braking system, the failure of hoses or tubing can cause problems for the entire braking system.”

In the U.S. 16.6% of commercial vehicles were placed out of service for brake violations compared to 14.5% in Canada.

According to FMCSA’s Analysis and Information Online 2019 calendar year data snapshot as of June 28, 2019, out of 1.8 million inspections, the top five brake-related violations were:

• Clamp or roto type brake out of adjustment (86,296)
• CMV manufactured after Oct. 19, 1994, has an automatic brake adjustment system that fails to compensate for wear (45,594)
• Brake hose or tubing chafing and/or kinking (37,737)
• No or defective ABS malfunction indicator lamp for trailer manufactured after March 1, 1998 (37,343)
• Inoperative/defective brakes (32,125)CVSA conducts brake-focused enforcement events, such as Brake Safety Day, to identify and remove commercial motor vehicles with dangerous brake issues from our roadways to reduce the number of crashes caused by or made more severe by deficient braking system performance.

CVSA is holding another brake safety enforcement event this year, Brake Safety Week, which is scheduled for Sept.15-21, at participating jurisdictions throughout North America. The week is an annual outreach and enforcement campaign designed to improve commercial motor vehicle brake safety.

Brake Safety Day and Brake Safety Week are inspection, enforcement, education and awareness initiatives that are part of the Operation Airbrake Program sponsored by CVSA in partnership with FMCSA and the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators.

Source: Truckinginfo.com

More than 1,600 commercial vehicles were placed out of service during an unannounced brake inspection blitz in May conducted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s law enforcement members.

On May 15, 2019, law enforcement personnel from 55 jurisdictions in the U.S. and Canada conducted 10,358 commercial motor vehicle inspections, focused on brake system violations. Of those inspections, 16.1% of vehicles (1,667) were found to have brake-related critical vehicle inspection items.

Inspectors paid particular attention to violations involving brake hoses and tubing. The event found 996 units with chafed rubber hoses and 185 units with chafed thermoplastic hoses. All told, there were 1,125 violations of 49 Code of Federal Regulations § 393.45 and Canadian equivalent violations that included chafed rubber hoses and 124 violations of 49 Code of Federal Regulations § 393.45 and Canadian equivalent violations that included kinked thermoplastic hoses.

“Brake hoses and tubing must be properly attached, undamaged, without leaks and appropriately flexible,” said Chief Jay Thompson with the Arkansas Highway Police, CVSA president. “Because they are such an important part of the braking system, the failure of hoses or tubing can cause problems for the entire braking system.”

In the U.S. 16.6% of commercial vehicles were placed out of service for brake violations compared to 14.5% in Canada.

According to FMCSA’s Analysis and Information Online 2019 calendar year data snapshot as of June 28, 2019, out of 1.8 million inspections, the top five brake-related violations were:

• Clamp or roto type brake out of adjustment (86,296)
• CMV manufactured after Oct. 19, 1994, has an automatic brake adjustment system that fails to compensate for wear (45,594)
• Brake hose or tubing chafing and/or kinking (37,737)
• No or defective ABS malfunction indicator lamp for trailer manufactured after March 1, 1998 (37,343)
• Inoperative/defective brakes (32,125)CVSA conducts brake-focused enforcement events, such as Brake Safety Day, to identify and remove commercial motor vehicles with dangerous brake issues from our roadways to reduce the number of crashes caused by or made more severe by deficient braking system performance.

CVSA is holding another brake safety enforcement event this year, Brake Safety Week, which is scheduled for Sept.15-21, at participating jurisdictions throughout North America. The week is an annual outreach and enforcement campaign designed to improve commercial motor vehicle brake safety.

Brake Safety Day and Brake Safety Week are inspections, enforcement, education and awareness initiatives that are part of the Operation Airbrake Program sponsored by CVSA in partnership with FMCSA and the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators.

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As soon as a subject like health and safety becomes boring or begins to sound like work, you’ve lost your audience. It is one of the toughest challenges for industry professionals, Safety Advisors and health and safety organizations around the world.

It’s one of the reasons organizations like NAOSH (North American Occupational Safety and Health Week) and SafetyDriven – TSCBC work so hard at finding new ways to help you engage your employees and spread the word about the importance of Health and Safety in new and exciting ways.

SafetyDriven – TSCBC and Kool Pak Canada worked together to engage employees, drive home important lessons about health and safety and have a little fun along the way.

NAOSH Week was held from May 6-12 across North America. Kool Pak Canada (A.K.A. Polar Express Transportation) celebrated NAOSH week with great enthusiasm. All of the company’s employees took part in the celebrations.

The company started off the week by handing out stars to employees using proper safety measures. Before long, the warehouse staff started paying more attention to visitors by making sure that they were wearing steel toe shoes and a vest when on the premises.

The main office staff began pointing out to the drivers coming through the warehouse the need to put on their safety equipment.

A member of the Safety Committee demonstrated how to use 3-point contact. The forklift operators demonstrated how they use their horns, look back while backing up and give each other extra space when there are two forklifts running together.

One of the warehouse personnel demonstrated how he uses his legs … and not his back … to lift a box from the floor. A barbeque/training day helped to make sure everyone had a chance to enjoy themselves as well.

The event even turned into a bit of a teachable moment about food and health. During the barbeque, everybody decided to eat burgers in a healthy way. Buns and pasta salad were eliminated and by using greens alongside the burger, everybody was able to enjoy a healthier tasty meal.

At the end of the week, winners were picked and awarded prizes for being extra safe and healthy.

Jimmy Sandhu, Safety Advisor who worked with Kool Pak says “The idea of carrying out fun health and safety activities during NAOSH Week was something the company got very excited about. They planned all the activities with the intention to making safety and wellness fun for all the employees. It looks like they had a lot of fun promoting safety. I can’t wait to see what they do next year! “

SafetyDriven – TSCBC would like to thank the management and staff from Kool Pak Canada (A.K.A. Polar Express Transportation) of Langley, BC, for sharing the fantastic ways in which they were able to teach, learn, share and have fun while demonstrating and embracing health and safety as core values of the company.

If you have a health and safety story you would like to share, please send it along to us so we can share it with our members.

Toll Free:1-877-414-8001
Or email info@safetydriven.ca

SHOWING COMMITMENT TO SAFETY IN BC’s TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRIES

SafetyDriven – Trucking Safety Council of BC (TSCBC) is honouring eight companies for their commitment to keeping their workers and workplaces safe from injury, illness, and disease.

Six companies earned their initial Certificate of Recognition (COR), a designation awarded to employers with a health and safety management system that exceeds regulatory requirements. These companies are being recognized with the COR Award of Excellence for receiving top marks on their certification audits.

COR Award of Excellence recipients for 2018 are:

• Heritage Office Furnishings
• RR Plett Trucking Ltd.
• CHEP Canda
• Wescan Disposal Ltd.
• T&P Trucking Ltd.
• Incarta Delivery Inc.

“These eight companies are safety leaders,” says Mark Donnelly, Executive Director of SafetyDriven – TSCBC.  “They have demonstrated—and are being recognized for–a high level of commitment to improving safety in their workplaces.  They are also contributing to safer work cultures throughout the province and beyond.” In addition, three companies, T&P Trucking, Phoenix Truck and Crane and Quality Move Management, won SafetyDriven’s Health and Safety Innovation Award for their leadership and innovative methods in maintaining a vibrant workplace and industry safety culture.  Heritage Office Furnishings was also recognized as achieving the Best Overall Large Employer COR.

“SafetyDriven – TSCBC is a not-for-profit organization and certifying partner for COR. SafetyDriven works with management, employees and owner/operators in B.C. trucking and related industries to strengthen safety performance and reduce the number and severity of workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities.”

Source: www.fleetowner.com

Every year the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) stages an all-out 72-hour inspection effort, called International Roadcheck. This June 4-6 will be no different, as U.S. federal and state inspectors, plus their Canadian and Mexican counterparts, will conduct Level 1 inspections of drivers and vehicles at 1,500 locations. Nearly 15 trucks or buses will be inspected, on average, every minute across North America.

Level 1 inspections are comprehensive, covering every major vehicle system. For drivers, the Level 1 inspection will look at commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), medical certificates, hours-of-service (HOS) records, and recent vehicle inspection reports. Additionally, inspectors will check drivers for seat belt use, illness, fatigue and any indication of drugs or alcohol. For more about Level 1 inspections, see CVSA’s “North American Standard Roadside Inspection Vehicle Cheat Sheet.”

Related: International Roadcheck 2019 puts emphasis on steering and suspension

Each year Roadcheck brings a special focus on one area of the Level 1 inspection. For 2019, it will be on steering and suspension systems. Steering and suspension are critical safety systems, affecting vehicle control, stability, acceleration, braking and tire wear.

There is still time to have your mechanic look over your commercial vehicle in preparation for Roadcheck. A clean inspection, after all, benefits your safety score and helps you qualify or remain qualified for electronic bypass programs, like PrePass, among many other reasons.

Related: Steering into Roadcheck safety

But you want those inspections to be “clean.” Warning signs that something may be amiss with your steering and suspension include:

• • Uneven tire wear
  • Swaying or shaking while driving
  • Problems handling bumps at low speeds
  • Lurching or straying one direction or the other
  • Not sitting level when parked
  • Knocking or squealing sounds during turns

Have your vehicle ready for International Roadcheck, because it is likely you and your truck will be inspected. During Roadcheck most states and provinces will adjust their “pull-in” rate at weigh stations to check as many commercial vehicles as enforcement staffing allows – including those which would normally bypass inspection sites.

If you are going to get inspected anyway, make it count in your favour.

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Visit www.safetydriven.ca for more great resources on Occupational Health and Safety

The annual Cone Zone campaign reminds drivers to slow down, pay attention. This year’s campaign kicks off in May and will run until the end of the summer.

The Cone Zone is a workplace for thousands of B.C. workers. These workers include traffic control persons, road maintenance workers, utility workers, emergency crews, law enforcement personnel, landscapers, and more.

Roadside work is hazardous. Between 2008 and 2017, 12 roadside workers died and 218 were injured as a result of being hit by a motor vehicle.

Every year since 2011, the Work Zone Safety Alliance has reminded drivers to slow down and pay attention in its annual Cone Zone campaign. As part of the 2019 campaign, police officers will be going undercover as roadside workers in active Cone Zones. Throughout the summer, this close-up vantage point will give officers a better chance to spot drivers speeding, breaking distracted driving laws, or not paying attention to signs or traffic control persons.

The campaign also includes an advertising and social media component that will run until the end of August.

Slow down and pay attention
“When we say ‘slow down,’ it doesn’t just mean slow down the vehicle. It also means slow down what you’re thinking about and pay attention to the road,” says Jacqueline Morrison, an industry specialist for Transportation & Occupational Road Safety at WorkSafeBC.

“Instead of thinking about your next stop, dinner that night, or the 12 errands you’ve got to run, focus your attention on that work zone. Is somebody directing you and giving instructions on what to do? If so, follow those instructions. If there isn’t a person, slow down and obey the signs.”

Jacqueline and the rest of the Road Safety team are also reminding drivers about the “slow down, move over” law. When drivers see red, blue, or amber lights flashing on the highway, it means that if the speed limit is 80 km/h or more, you must drop your speed to 70 km/h or slower. If the speed limit is less than 80 km/h, you must drop to 40 km/h or slower. (For more information on this B.C. law in place since 2015, see my post New laws to protect roadside workers). Also see Working in and around traffic for more resources from WorkSafeBC.

Looking for last-minute planning tips for Safety and Health Week? Here’s a crash course!

There are many things a company, big or small, can do to get involved in NAOSH week.  Here’s where you can start:

Establish an NAOSH Week planning committee – consider involving employees, workplace Occupational Health and Safety Committees, CSSE members, representatives from business, suppliers, government, city, municipalities, retailers and other safety organizations.

Develop an outline of events and activities that are being planned, in support of company/ business safety objectives. Promote these plans to senior-level leaders for their involvement and participation.

Plan for broad sector involvement, whenever possible, through a variety of events – public, corporate, private industry and community events.

Download Promotional Materials, checklists and sample documents.

More information and ideas can be found at NAOSH BC.

Most importantly, have fun, learn lots, and be safe!  And don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of time.  Taking one of SafetyDriven – TSCBC’s online course offerings is a great way to celebrate the week.  Every step, every effort, matters.

SafetyDriven – TSCBC is pleased to announce Philip Choi as Executive Director of SafetyDriven – Trucking Safety Council of BC, effective June 3, 2019.

Philip Choi was most recently the Senior Manager for SafetyDriven. Philip has worked with the SafetyDriven team since 2014 to make the trucking, moving and storage, and related industries safer by making safety approachable.

Philip’s successes are a product of his strong client focus and business management skills. He is particularly proud of the foundational work he has completed for SafetyDriven, including the development and implementation of financial and operational tracking and reporting, restructuring the organization into clear business units, and developing and executing a marketing strategy that has proven successful in increasing brand awareness and engagement with employers of all sizes, including owner-operators.

Philip also provides strategic guidance to Road Safety at Work campaigns, Shift into Winter and ConeZone, and the BC Road Safety Strategy – Safe Vehicles committee.

Philip holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Saskatchewan and a Bachelor of Science from the University of British Columbia.

Philip Choi was appointed to his new position as Executive Director following an extensive search with guidance from SafetyDriven Chairperson Matthew May (Coast 2000 Terminals Ltd.), Vice-Chairperson Justin Cheverie (Alchemist Specialty Carriers Inc.) and BCTA President & CEO Dave Earle.

“Philip’s work has contributed significantly to our growth and success. I am looking forward to working with Philip in his new role as we build on the successes that Safety Driven has achieved” – D.Earle