BACKGROUND: Trucking remains one of the most dangerous industries in Kentucky and the U.S., resulting in an increasing burden of workers’ compensation costs to employers and debilitating injuries to workers. In 2014, truckers in Kentucky were injured at a rate of 5.2 per 100 workers, compared to the national rate of 4.5 per 100 workers. Both rates are higher than the national rate of 3.4 per 100 workers for all other industries combined. Potential contributing factors were identified: a) lack of federal or state regulations enforcing worker safety training, b) lack of free, easily accessible worker safety training, and c) complex regulations that are often difficult to navigate. Previous research has demonstrated the importance of inspection procedures to limit the risk of injury while on the job due to mechanical malfunction and driver error. KIPRC partnered with the Kentucky Trucking Association to develop a free online driver training program on procedures to pre-emptively prepare for and pass a driver safety roadside inspection. This training program will serve as fundamental training for the 37 steps of a comprehensive North American Standard Level I Inspection, which inspects both the driver and the commercial motor vehicle.
METHODS: The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) developed a 37-step standard procedure to be followed by a roadside inspection officer when conducting a driver and/or vehicle inspection. An outline of these steps was constructed that included references to the supporting state and federal regulations. Industry safety and regulatory professionals provided guidance on the outline development. Adobe Captivate digital training platform was used to develop online training modules.
RESULTS: The procedures pertaining to a driver inspection were developed into a user-friendly and engaging set of free training modules. These modules included reading materials as well as interactive quizzes, memory recalls, and games to aid in the learning process. Consequences for violating various inspection criteria were also included, which is information that is often times unknown to the driver prior to training. Optional module quiz score reporting is also available for employers to monitor learning progress.
CONCLUSIONS: This training effectively communicates the procedures for successfully passing a driver safety inspection. Upon completion, the driver should have knowledge of how to pass inspection steps relating to examination of the driver’s license; medical examiner’s certificate and Skills Performance Evaluation certificate; examination of hours of service logs; hazmat requirements; and seatbelt usage.