THSAO newsletter - fall 2002

In this Issue

• Message from our CEO
• Road Sharing Tips
• 2003 Course Listings
• What Can Your Safety Association Do For You?
• Lift Truck Training Requirements
• Stakeholder Relations
• Truck World
• Upcoming Events

Ontario benefits when we all drive defensively

Traditionally, at this time of year, a greater number of people in this province take to the road to enjoy their vacations and long weekends. Unfortunately, these greater traffic volumes are, at times, accompanied by a corresponding increase in motor vehicle collisions, injuries and sometimes even fatalities. Regrettably, it has become all too common to hear media reports from members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) at the conclusion of weekends, informing us of the extent to which these collisions have occurred. Most frustrating is the extent to which these occurrences are the result of nothing more than poor driving practices.

It should come as no surprise that the issue of road safety, and what we refer to as Defensive Driving, is something that is of primary concern to the Transportation Health and Safety Association of Ontario (THSAO). Moreover, THSAO has a number of courses and programs designed to improve driver awareness and practice. (see description page 7) However, the tragic costs to families and businesses of injuries and fatalities is so extensive that this is something in our view which requires increased focus and attention. It also requires a coordinated effort on behalf of all organizations devoted to the promotion and enhancement of road safety and, most importantly, the over 8 million people that share and operate on Ontario's roads and highways.

When assessing our efforts with respect to road and highway safety and determining the means by which we can enhance those efforts, THSAO took the opportunity to review the relevant information and assess the progress to date. In doing so, the recently released Ontario Road Safety Annual Report (ORSAR) proved to be a very effective resource. (This most recent ORSAR edition is a reflection of the years up to and including 2000.)

When assessing the ORSAR, one cannot help but be impressed by the extent to which it addresses the issue of road related fatalities and also identifies positive trends. Consider the following:

According to ORSAR, Ontario's road safety record was the best in Canada and second only to Massachusetts in all of North America, as reflected by the fatality rate per 10,000 licensed drivers. Specifically, in 2000 there were 849 traffic fatalities on Ontario's roads, down 2.2 percent from 1999, translating in a rate per 10,000 licensed drivers of 1.05 from 1.10. (This is also a numerical reduction of 150 from the year 1995.) Furthermore, this represented the 12th consecutive year of improvement. In addition, motor vehicle related injury rates were the lowest in a decade. This has occurred at a time when Ontario has 8.1 million resident licensed drivers with anticipated annual increases of 2.9 percent.

The results are particularly encouraging when the ORSAR focuses specifically on commercial vehicles. For example, in the year 2000, tractor-semi trailers represented only 1.4 percent of all vehicles involved in fatal collisions: a 12 percent decline from 1999. Over that same one-year period, these vehicles decreased their representation in all fatal collisions by 14 percent, representing 6 percent of total vehicles involved in fatal collisions. ORSAR also identified that in 71 percent of all fatalities involving trucks, the truck driver was driving properly. And, vehicle defects were present in only 4.2 percent of all vehicles involved in fatal collisions.

(Note: Coincidently, in recent weeks the American Automobile Association (the largest association representing passenger vehicles in the world) Foundation for Traffic Safety released a study confirming that in the United States, as in Ontario, the actions of car drivers contribute more to passenger/commercial vehicle fatalities than do the actions of the drivers of large trucks.)

In proving the results relative to commercial vehicles, the ORSAR states "Ontario has some of the toughest trucking laws in North America" and makes specific reference to the Carrier Safety Rating (CSR) program introduced in 1999. Those familiar with the changes to Ontarioâs truck safety regime will know that the CSR was a cornerstone of the Target '97 Task Force on Truck Safety which was initiated by the trucking industry and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO). This multi-stakeholder committee developed approximately 80 commercial vehicle/road safety recommendations. THSAO was proud to have participated in that process and has recently been instrumental in the implementation of another one of those recommendations (see Stakeholder Relations).

The ORSAR also sheds some light on the reasoning for these overall positive results.

For example, ORSAR points to the fact that Ontario was the first Canadian jurisdiction to make seat belts mandatory. (Transport Canada cites a 92.5 percent compliance rate) Furthermore, reference is made to efforts to combat impaired driving, noting that as of December 23, 2001, individuals who commit an impaired driving offence under the Criminal Code of Canada will be subject to the ignition interlock program. While there is evidence of improvement - a 28 percent reduction in drinking and driving fatalities over a fifty-year period - the problem is far from solved.

While these positive trends are encouraging, there can be no room for complacency and no argument that the loss of life on Ontario's highways remains much too high. It is interesting to note the findings of the Ontario Advisory Group on Safe Driving. This body was established by the Minister of Transportation, following the multi-vehicle pile up on the London to Windsor corridor of Highway 401 in September 1999 and identified a number of priority areas of concern with respect to highway safety. Key among them was the issue of driver inattention (use of cell phones, etc). Consideration is given to the likelihood that this may become of increasingly greater concern. An additional element is the anticipated population growth in the province, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area. The key concern being, will infrastructure investment and supply keep up with demand?

THSAO continues to be vigilant and is attempting to make increasingly available its products in this regard. Our Defensive Driving course is very much in demand as well as our Drive for Safety Series. (see description page 4) Moreover, this course has been amended somewhat so that we can offer a product geared more directly to the passenger vehicle (G-Class). The need to tailor the course to meet an expanding base is precipitated, to some extent, by the requests we are receiving from our safety partners to provide a product that meets their sector client's particular circumstance. This is also a reflection of a system-wide concern and everyone who shares the road would benefit from increased awareness and improved defensive driving skills.

Additional efforts include our recently developed seminar entitled "Fatal Distractions". This presentation demonstrates how distractions, such as cell phone use, negatively affect driving performance. (For example, a motorist increases his chances of being involved in collision four fold simply by answering a cell phone while driving.) This seminar was launched at this year's Industrial Accident Prevention Association (IAPA) conference and presented again at THSAO's own conference this past spring. Fatal Distractions evolved from our well-received Road Rage seminar. THSAO will be offering this seminar several times at the upcoming Truck World trucking industry trade show this September (see related story).

THSAO looks forward to further dialogue and partnerships with all of our safety partners to develop even more innovative and broader reaching methods (see sharing the road tips) of improving driving behavior and awareness on behalf of all the users of the roads we share.

Legislative Updates

Revised THSAO Transportation of Dangerous Goods Course Up and Running

As reported in the previous THSAO News, after several years of deliberation and consultation with industry stakeholders, the clear language revision of the Regulations for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) became effective August 15, 2002.

In response the Transportation Health and Safety Association (THSAO) has developed a new TDG program that incorporates the training requirements to meet the new TDG clear language regulations. Each participant receives the handbook Transporting Dangerous Goods by Truck, developed by the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA). In addition to explaining the new regulation, the guidebook includes information truck drivers should be aware of when transporting dangerous goods between Canada and the United States.

For THSAO Dangerous Goods course information and all other THSAO products and services please see www.thsao.on.ca. For those interested in obtaining the CTA Transporting Dangerous Goods by Truck guidebook only, please see www.cantruck.com. Finally, to access the Regulations Amending the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations see www.tc.gc.ca/tdg/clear/modification.htm.

A message from our President and CEO

The Transportation Health and Safety Association of Ontario (THSAO) is pleased to have this opportunity to devote much of this newsletter to the topic of road safety and driver awareness. It is our view that everyone benefits from increased awareness and a more complete understanding of the perspective and concerns of others. Thank you for taking the time to avail yourselves of our perspectives and learn to a greater extent the efforts we are undertaking to address what are shared concerns on behalf of all of us pertaining to road safety. There is one undeniable reality in that all of us, in all walks of life and operating in all industry sectors, share the roads, and, all of the road users share the responsibility for the safe use of them.

I would also like to take this opportunity to reflect on THSAO's annual general meeting and conference, this past May. By all accounts the event was a great success. Responses have been favourable and constructive. The consensus appears to be that all of the seminar topics where extremely relevant and well delivered. Our featured speakers were described to be both very informative and entertaining. In particular, many in attendance informed me our keynote speaker, wheelchair athlete Jeff Adams, provided a meaningful and thought-provoking message.

THSAO would like to extend its appreciation to all those who supported the conference by way of their attendance and participation. In particular, we are grateful to our sponsors and would like to thank the representatives from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, Ontario Ministry of Labour and the Safe Communities Foundation for their assistance and participation.

This past conference afforded us the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate sixty years of service to the transportation industry. As a result, we did a few things differently. While we are grateful that for the most part, our program was well received, we consider each effort to be a learning experience and look forward to further improvements and innovations in the years to come.

Finally, THSAO has experienced a significant degree of change in the recent past. While it's true the only constant is change, certain change is not always what one would hope for. With those thoughts in mind, I inform all THSAO members and supporters that following an eventful and successful career, THSAO Labour Vice-Chairman David Hartling has elected to exercise his option to retire. Regrettably for THSAO, that decision coincided with his decision to step down from the Association's Board of Directors.

On a personal note, I have very much appreciated and benefited from Dave's support and valuable counsel. Throughout his time on the THSAO Board, he always conducted himself and based his decisions in terms of what was in the best interests of the Association. I ask all of you to join me in wishing Dave and his family well as they embark on this next phase of their lives.

Michael J. Burke, President and CEO THSAO

Road Sharing Tips

In an effort to assist all road users in developing greater awareness with respect to the much varied requirements and limitations pertaining to the several types of both commercial and passenger vehicles, the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) has developed road sharing tips and has available brochures. Included among them are:

Stay Visible When Behind a Truck

When you come to a stop behind a truck, keep to the left of your lane so the driver can see you in his side mirror. Remember if you can't see the truck driver in one of his mirrors he/she can't see you.

Roll Back

Always leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the truck to prevent roll back incidents that can happen when a truck driver is forced to stop on an upgrade.

As the truck driver takes his foot off the brake and releases the clutch pedal, the truck may roll back a few feet. Remember he may have a very heavy load and has many gears to shift to get going.

Avoid Tailgating

Never tailgate, particularly trucks. The truck's size will almost totally block your view and you will have to rely on his brake lights for a signal that something is going on in front. At the same time, you will be in one of the truck driver's blind spots.

Stopping Distances

Never pull in front of a truck without leaving adequate room between your vehicle and the front of the truck. Trucks can't stop on a dime and you might be the cause of a jackknife or a major crash.

Backing Up

When a truck driver is backing up he has to use side mirrors. Even though they are very large mirrors, they still leave a big blind spot. So be patient and never cross behind a truck which is preparing to back up.

Passing Trucks

The same rules apply for passing a truck as for passing a car. The first step in a safe pass is to check the traffic front and rear. Don't pull out if you're being overtaken by traffic from behind or if there is other traffic approaching.

Once you have decided to pass and see that the way is clear, don't hesitate. Declare your intention to pass and follow through as quickly and safely as possible.

Before re-entering the lane in which the truck is traveling, wait until you see both of the trucks headlights in your rear-view mirror. This will ensure you are an adequate distance from the truck.

Lastly, be sure you maintain your speed when you are in front of a truck. Truck drivers work hard to get up to normal highway speeds, sometimes shifting through as many as 15 gears. For this reason, trucks take longer to get up to highway speed and must work harder to maintain their speed.

Right-hand Turns

Always pay close attention to truck turn signals. Many car drivers do not realize that a truck approaching an intersection to make a right turn may move to the left to avoid running the trailer onto the curb. As the truck moves left, a narrow, temporary lane is created to its right. At this point, the driver of a car may move up on the right side of the truck and become vulnerable to a "squeeze" when the truck swings into its right turn.

Keep the Center Lane Open

The center lane is the trucker's passing lane. On many major roadways transport trucks are forbidden from using the high speed (far left) lane. That means they rely on the center lane as their passing lane. If you travel in the center lane be sure you are traveling at the posted speed limit.

Keep Your Distance

Keep a large space cushion around your car - and increase your space cushion even more when near large vehicles like trucks and buses. They need extra space and time to maneuver and stop.

Watch Out For Blind Spots

Any area where a vehicle's visibility is restricted is called a blind spot. The driver of a vehicle may not see persons and other vehicles in these blind spots. Larger vehicles generally have larger blind spots. Here are a few tips that will help you to deal with these blind spots.

Driving Behind Trucks:

If you can see the truck's mirrors, then the driver can probably see your vehicle. You may make your vehicle more visible by positioning it slightly left of the center of the lane.

Driving Beside Trucks:

When you must drive beside a truck, do not assume that its driver is aware of your presence. Take extra precautions when overtaking and always try to anticipate changes in traffic flow.

Driving in Front of Trucks:

Be sure to provide clear indications of your intentions and avoid making sudden changes in speed. Try to anticipate changes in traffic flow before the changes affect you.

Construction Zones

Each year, thousands of serious injuries occur in construction zones. It is very important that all motorists pay attention to all the signs when entering a construction zone.

These include:

• distance to the construction zone
• reduced speed limits
• changes in traffic flow
• changes in lanes
• workers and construction equipment operating on or near the road.

There will often be a construction worker posted to control traffic or provide other directions to motorists. This person is called a traffic control person. Always pay attention to the controller's directions.

Above all, use common sense. Always reduce your speed, increase your following distance, stay alert, cautious and patient when traveling through construction zones. The safety of yourself and others depends on it.

Tip For The Professional Truck Driver:

By driving the posted speed limit through construction zones, your truck becomes a pacer vehicle, slowing down the rest of traffic and making the zone safer.

The above-listed safety recommendations are frequently provided to audiences by the OTA Road Knights Team. The Road Knights is a group of ten professional transport drivers with first class driving records that make presentations about how car and truck drivers can safely share the road. The team's mission is to help make our roads safer by encouraging all road users to be partners in safety.

THSAO is pleased to have recently had the opportunity of adding a member of a former Road Knights team to its ranks. George Smagala, a former commercial truck driver and OTA Road Knight is now one our field consultants in Central Region.

SEVEN KEY ELEMENTS OF A SUCCESSFUL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAM

1. Commitment from all parties throughout.
2. Clearly defined health and safety accountabilities.
3. Superior new worker orientation and ongoing training of employees and supervisors.
4. Continuous employee/employer involvement in health and safety concerns.
5. Hazard identification and methods of control.
6. Accident and incident investigation with corrective measures.
7. Periodic review and modification of the Health and Safety program.

Need help with any of the above?

Call your Regional office of the Transportation Health and Safety Association. We are your safety partner and are here to help you meet your health and safety responsibilities.

Mark Diacur B.A., M.ED., Vice President - THSAO

THSAO 2003 COURSE LISTINGS

Collision Review Committee (CRC)

• March 13 - Waterloo
• March 13 - Ottawa
• March 25 -Sudbury
• May 21 - Peterborough
• May 21 - Etobicoke Canada Labour Code (CLC)
• January 27 - Thunder Bay
• February 26 - Etobicoke
• March 27 - Sudbury
• April 15 - Peterborough
• April 16 - St. Catharines
• July 15 - St. Catharines
• August 6 - Ottawa
• September 17 - Waterloo
• September 17 - Etobicoke
• October 9 - Grimsby
• October 28 - London
• November 19 - Etobicoke

Certification Training

• February 18, 19, 20 - Burlington
• February 25, 26, 27 - Kingston
• March 10, 11, 12 - Etobicoke
• May 12, 13, 14 - Etobicoke
• August 26, 27, 28 - Ottawa
• September 17, 18, 19 - Peterborough
• September 23, 24, 25 - Thunder Bay
• September 23, 24, 25 - Woodstock
• October 6, 7, 8 - Etobicoke
• October 28, 29, 30 - Sudbury
• December 8, 9, 10 - Etobicoke

Commercial Motor Vehicle Collision Investigation 1 (CMVCI-I)

• March 26, 27 - Sudbury
• April 28, 29 - Etobicoke
• May 27, 28 - Brantford
• August 19, 20 - Sault Ste. Marie
• November 5, 6 - Ottawa

Commercial Motor Vehicle Collision Investigation 2 (CMVCI-II)

• June 24, 25 - Brantford
• September 22, 23 - Etobicoke

Commercial Motor Vehicle Collision Investigation 3 (CMVCI-III)

• October 21, 22 - Brantford
• February 4, 5, 6 - Brantford
• June 2, 3, 4 - Etobicoke
• October 14, 15, 16 - Brantford

Defensive Driving (DD)

• January 25 - Etobicoke
• February 11 - Ajax
• February 15 - St. Catharines
• March 1 - Burlington
• March 22 - Etobicoke
• April 5 - St. Catharines
• May 24 - London
• May 29 - Etobicoke
• June 11 - Thunder Bay
• July 10 - Etobicoke
• September 24 - Thunder Bay
• October 21 - Burlington
• November 4 - Etobicoke
• November 22 - Burlington
• December 6 - Waterloo
• December 10 - Windsor

Defensive Driving General

• March 4 - Waterloo
• June 6 - London

Fleet Driver Trainer

• February 10 to February 14 - Mississauga - (Week 1)
• March 3 to March 7 - Mississauga - (Week 2)
• April 7 to April 11 - Mississauga - (Week 3)
• September 22 to September 26 - Mississauga - (Week 1)
• October 20 to October 24 - Mississauga - (Week 2)
• November 10 to November 14 - Mississauga - (Week 3)
• September 29 to October 3 - Brantford (Week 1)
• November 10 to November 14 - Brantford (Week 2)
• December 1 to December 5 - Brantford (Week 3)

Highway Traffic Act (HTA)

• February 26 - Waterloo
• March 12 - Windsor
• March 13 - Etobicoke
• April 8 - Burlington
• June 3 - Waterloo
• June 11 - Grimsby
• June 24 - London
• October 9 - Etobicoke

Lift Truck Operator's (LTOC)

• January 8 - Chatham
• January 15 - Ottawa
• January 15 - Barrie
• January 18 - St. Catharines
• January 22 - North Bay
• January 23 - Ajax
• January 29 - Etobicoke
• February 8 - Waterloo
• February 15 - Burlington
• February 20 - London
• March 4 - London
• March 8 - Windsor
• March 19 - Etobicoke
• March 25 - St. Catharines
• April 8 - Cornwall
• April 12 - Waterloo
• April 16 - Peterborough
• April 23 - Sarnia
• April 30 - Etobicoke
• May 6 - Burlington
• May 10 - St. Catharines
• May 13 - Orillia
• May 24 - Etobicoke
• May 31 - Chatham
• June 4 - Sudbury
• June 4 - Barrie
• June 6 - Waterloo
• June 12 - Thunder Bay
• June 21 - Niagara Falls
• June 26 - Etobicoke
• July 5 - Burlington
• July 10 - Grimsby
• August 20 - Etobicoke
• September 10 - Sarnia
• September 13 - Grimsby
• September 23 - London
• September 25 - Thunder Bay
• September 27 - Waterloo
• October 4 - Windsor
• October 29 - Etobicoke
• November 15 - London
• November 20 - Grimsby
• November 22 - Waterloo
• December 2 - Burlington
• December 3 - Etobicoke
• December 13 - St. Catharines

Lift Truck Operator's Refresher (LTOR)

• March 12 - Pembroke
• April 26 - London
• August 12 - North Bay
• October 22 - Peterborough

Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention Program (MIPP)

• February 12 - Etobicoke

Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA)

• January 14 - Burlington
• January 16 - London
• January 30 - Waterloo
• February 19 - Etobicoke
• March 3 - Thunder Bay
• April 24 - London
• May 1 - Waterloo
• May 27 - Etobicoke
• July 8 - London
• August 12 - Burlington
• August 13 - Etobicoke
• October 15 - Sarnia
• November 20 - Waterloo

Personal Injury Accident Investigation (PIAI)

• January 8 - Waterloo
• February 26 - Windsor
• March 5 - Thunder Bay
• March 6 - St. Catharines
• April 9 - Waterloo
• April 16 - Etobicoke
• May 8 - London
• June 3 - Burlington
• June 11 - Windsor
• September 10 - Etobicok
• September 23 - Thunder Bay
• October 15 - Waterloo
• November 26 - Sarnia
• November 26 - Etobicoke
• December 11 - Grimsby

Principles of Effective Training (POET)

• January 28, 29, 30 - Brantford
• February 17, 18, 19 - Etobicoke
• May 5, 6, 7 - Etobicoke
• June 23, 24, 25 - Ottawa
• June 24, 25, 26 - Peterborough
• July 14, 15, 16 - Sudbury
• September 16, 17, 18 - Brantford

School Bus Defensive Driving (SBDD)

• January 3 - Waterloo
• February 6 - Timmins
• February 8 - Chatham
• February 13 - Sudbury
• March 1 - Woodstock
• March 10 - Waterloo
• May 21 - St. Catharines
• August 20 - Chatham
• August 21 - St. Catharines
• August 22 - Ottawa
• August 26 - Hanover
• August 27 - Waterloo
• August 27 - Barrie
• August 27 - Etobicoke
• August 28 - Ajax
• September 18 - Sudbury
• October 18 - Waterloo

Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)

• January 9 - St. Catharines
• January 11 - Waterloo
• January 15 - Etobicoke
• January 16 - Sault Ste. Marie
• January 18 - Sarnia
• January 21 - Ajax
• January 22 - Peterborough
• January 25 - Burlington
• February 5 - Timmins
• February 15 - London
• February 22 - Etobicoke
• February 22 - Burlington
• March 4 - Thunder Bay
• March 8 - Waterloo
• March 26 - Barrie
• April 1 - Etobicoke
• April 9 - Windsor
• April 26 - Burlington
• May 8 - Ajax
• May 10 - Waterloo
• June 5 - Hawksbury
• June 5 - Etobicoke
• June 10 - Thunder Bay
• June 21 - Burlington
• June 25 - Windsor
• July 5 - Waterloo
• August 14 - London
• August 14 - Etobicoke
• September 13 - Waterloo
• September 20 - London
• September 23 - Thunder Bay
• October 1 - Barrie
• October 4 - London
• October 8 - Kingston
• October 18 - St. Catharines
• October 23 - Etobicoke
• November 8 - Windsor
• November 11 - Burlington
• December 9 - Haliburton
• December 9 - North Bay
• December 10 - Ottawa
• December 11 - Etobicoke

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS)

• January 21 - Burlington
• February 26 - Etobicoke
• February 27 - Sault Ste. Marie
• March 18 - Ajax
• April 26 - Waterloo
• May 28 - Windsor
• May 28 - Etobicoke
• June 16 - Peterborough
• July 22 - Etobicoke
• August 5 - Ottawa
• September 9 - Belleville
• September 24 - Waterloo
• October 15 - Etobicoke
• November 6 - Barrie
• November 19 - Pembroke

INSTRUCTOR'S COURSES - DEFENSIVE DRIVING

• May 6, 7, 8 - Brantford
• June 16, 17, 18 - Etobicoke
• November 18, 19, 20 - Brantford

LTOC

• February 4, 5, 6 - Brantford
• June 2, 3, 4 - Etobicoke
• October 14, 15, 16 - Brantford

TDG

• March 18, 19, 20 - Brantford
• June 9, 10, 11 - Etobicoke
• October 7, 8, 9 - Brantford

THSAO - What can your safety Association do for you

ASSESS - your safety systems and programs and your compliance with existing safety laws and regulations. Worksite inspections and audits are but a few ways we can help.

TRAIN - your workers, supervisors and management in their Health and Safety responsibilities. We have a complete range of Transportation and Health and Safety courses for your company's needs.

PROVIDE GUIDANCE - on compliance issues and implementing health and safety programs.

PROVIDE RESOURCES AND EXPERTISE - on a range of topics concerning health and safety issues. Benefit from our transportation health and safety expertise.

RECOMMEND - proper courses of action through written recommendations, management meetings and consultations.

PROVIDE INCENTIVES - we have excellent programs for recognizing the health and safety achievements of companies, safe workers and accident free drivers. Just ask us. It's easy, effective and rewarding.

To get started, call your Regional office today.
Central (Toronto) 1 877 242 7079... ask for Angie D'Amico
SW Ontario Region 1 877 242 7077... ask for Maria Bailie
Northern and Eastern Ontario Region ...1 877 242 7094 ask for Suzanne Cox.

THSAO is proud to present our first graduate with the "Collision Evaluator Designation"

Linda Fader of the Safety and Claims Department of Contrans in Woodstock, Ontario is seen here receiving her Collision Evaluator Certificate from Dave Wallace, Regional Manager of the Southwestern Region of THSAO.

The Collision Evaluator Designation is an important professional credential for all Health and Safety personnel involved with collision investigation.

THSAO is at the forefront of innovative professional Health and Safety training for the transportation sector. For more details on how to receive your Collision Evaluator Designation, please call one of our regional offices.

Congratulations to Linda on her accomplishment from all of us at THSAO! We are proud of you.

LIFT TRUCK OPERATOR TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Companies are aware that federal and provincial legislation requires that a lift truck may only be operated by someone deemed to be qualified/competent to do so and the appropriate training is one fundamental requirement for attaining that qualification.

The Ontario Ministry of Labour Guideline for the Safe Operation and Maintenance of Powered Lift Trucks and the Canadian Standards Association B335 Industrial Lift Truck Operator Training standard recognize that the training of lift truck operators follow a guiding principle involving a three part method. That three- part method includes:

• knowledge/theory to be acquired/instructed
• practical/skills to be acquired/instructed
• testing/evaluation (both knowledge and practical) to be performed.

THSAO has taken this guiding principle and developed a leading edge training program in conjunction with the Industrial Accident Prevention Association (IAPA). Lift truck operator competency may be attained as follows:

• Lift Truck Operator Training Course (including knowledge verification) - THSAO can provide this service
• Supervised practical/skills training - Company to conduct on site
• Practical on site Lift Truck Operator evaluation - THSAO can provide this service.

It is important for companies to understand that while the classroom course addresses information pertaining to key safety practices and procedures required for the operators of lift trucks, on site training is a critical element as well and must be incorporated by participating firms. The last component of this three part method is a practical evaluation of the lift truck operator. In order to fully meet the competency requirement, an operator must also gain workplace experience and be familiar with the specific hazards of the workplace.

Carmine Benedetti, Manager Central Region.

For further detailed information, please contact THSAO Regional Offices.

Defensive Driving

Training

We offer three versions of our defensive driving courses.

1. Commercial (1 Day)
2. School Bus (1 Day) - This course is accepted by the Ministry of Transportation as qualification for drivers who must attend a defensive driving course in order to obtain a classified driver's license.
3. G Class Driver (1/2 Day)

Course Overview:
In a classroom setting, defensive driving techniques are presented with the aid of various audio-visual techniques. These courses are designed to involve participants in group discussions of driving problems encountered by drivers each day.

Course Content:

Module 1 - The Law (Legal Element)
rules and regulations that apply to a (i) commercial motor vehicle; (ii) school bus; (iii) personal vehicle operation

Module 2 - The Driver (Human Element)
the human elements which affect our ability to drive safely including attitude, mental emotional state, complacency, physical well-being, nutrition, sleep, vision, knowledge, etc.

Module 3 - The Vehicle (Mechanical Element)
vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, factors that affect steering, stopping and handling

Module 4 - The Environment
inside the vehicle, road surface conditions, traffic and weather conditions

Module 5 - Driving Defensively
accident prevention, use of mirrors, signs and signals, passing, intersections, turning procedures, expressway driving, backing procedures

Instructor's Training

This course is designed to give you the confidence and competence to deliver training courses to fellow employees. The participant will learn to incorporate proven adult learning principles into their presentations and practice effective instructional techniques.

Stage 1
Completion of pre-requisite course, 3-day Principles of Effective Training

Stage 2
3-Day Defensive Driving Instructor's Course

Stage 3
THSAO evaluates attendee during actual course delivery.

Seminars
On topical driving issues, we have developed seminars for you and your staff:

1. Taming the Beast - Controlling Road RageThere is an emerging driving phenomenon that's affecting drivers in North America. It's called "road rage". The consequences of aggressive and reckless driving can be deadly. This highly informative sessions looks at the current situation, describes current research, examines the root causes of road rage and prescribes preventative actions which may save you or someone you love from being involved in a potentially deadly road rage incident. Put the safety odds in your favour and attend this session.

2. Fatal Distractions - In many automobile crashes, inattention has been linked as a contributing factor. We've all seen the obvious - people driving while reading, putting on makeup, or talking on the cell phone. What may surprise you is how many other things we do in our vehicles that distract us - distractions that negatively affect driving performance. This interactive, informative workshop can save your life or the life of someone you love. Drive to arrive alive - find out how!

Stakeholder Relations

Collision Preventability Review Panel Established

Those of us familiar with the recent changes to the truck safety regime in Ontario will be familiar with the Target '97 Government/Industry Task Force on Truck Safety that developed the comprehensive recommendations and provided the basis for the changes to Ontario's truck safety laws. These recommendations were wide - ranging and complementary to each other. Some recommendations have already been implemented, such as the Carrier Safety Rating program. Others are pending.

Very recently, the recommendation pertaining to he establishment of a Collision Preventability Panel became a reality. THSAO is proud of its contribution to the multi-stakeholder process that resulted in these new safety standards and procedures. With that contribution in mind, THSAO is pleased to have been selected by the primary stakeholders to administer and oversee the panel. THSAO was selected because it was considered to be a neutral third party capable of exercising the appropriate impartiality. In addition, THSAO has the necessary expertise in the collision review process. Currently, THSAO offers a course in Collision Preventability with the objective of reducing motor vehicle fleet collision rates by establishing a company standard for safe driving. Furthermore, the THSAO Collision Preventability program is an integral element of our Drive for Safety Series.

The Panel will only review requests:

• That deal with the preventability of a collision>
• Where charges are not laid
• Involving reportable collisions that occurred in Ontario
• Made within three-months of the collision appearing on the Commercial Vehicle Operators Registration (CVOR) Record.

THSAO was pleased to assist in this regard for many reasons; not the least of which are the benefits this program will bring to the health and safety system. This effort supports and bolsters the Internal Responsibility System by providing further education to stakeholders to enable them to make preventability determinations in house and to incorporate, where and if necessary, useful training interventions such as Defensive Driving.

In every case, the Panel will maintain complete confidentiality.

Look for THSAO at this year's Truck World

The Transportation Health and Safety Association is pleased to have the opportunity to participate in Truck World 2002, the truck show produced by the industry for the industry. This year's show will be held September 26, 27 and 28 at the National Trade Centre, Exhibition Place in Toronto.

In addition to having its booth on display, THSAO in concert with the Ontario Truck Driving Championships (OTDC), has assisted organizers in providing members of the media with the opportunity to try their hand behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer.

Radio, television and print media representatives will be invited to climb behind the wheel of a big rig to find out what it is like to drive a 70-foot tractor-trailer around tight corners and other obstacles that truckers tackle every day. This fundraising event takes place September 28th with proceeds going to children's charities.

THSAO and the OTDC assisted in the development of the driving course. Each member of the media will be in the cab with a recent OTDC award winner.

THSAO is pleased to be a part of this effort to increase driver awareness and assist members of the media in becoming more aware of the commercial driver's perspective. We hope the media will share their experiences with their readers and listeners. And, of course it is great to be a part of any effort to assist kid's charities.

Finally, in keeping with our thrust to increase awareness on behalf of all road users, THSAO will be offering its Fatal Distractions seminar throughout the Saturday.

TRUCK WORLD

Canada's National Truck Show - September 26, 27, 28, 2002

National Trade Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto Canada

Truck World 2002, the truck show produced by the industry for the industry, is the pre-eminent transportation trade show in Canada. Following on the success of its predecessor in 2000, TRUCK WORLD 2002 will be held this September 26, 27 and 28. This yearâs show, which will provide a forum for industry suppliers to showcase their products and services, demonstrate the latest technologies, and gain maximum exposure to their potential customers and stakeholders, promises to be even better.

In addition to the features and exhibits provided at TRUCK WORLD 2000, this year's show will have the added feature of a Maintenance and Technology Conference providing fleet maintenance managers, technicians and mechanics with high-quality information sessions and in-depth skills demonstrations.

And, as was the case two years ago, THSAO will be on hand. We look forward to seeing you there.

National Trucking Week
Trucking Week September 22 - 29, 2002
(Coinciding with Truck World 2002)

Council of Driver Trainers Annual Conference
October 25, 26, 27, 2002
Four Points Sheraton
Kitchener, Ontario
For more information call
Carol Whitman at 1-800-263-5016

Ontario Trucking Association Annual Convention
November 13, 14, 15, 2002
Regal Constellation Hotel
Toronto, Ontario

See THSAO Open Course Listings for 2003 on page 5

MAINTENANCE AND TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE TO BE HELD AT TRUCK WORLD 2002

Truck World 2002 will host the launch of a Maintenance and Technology Conference that will provide fleet managers, technicians and mechanics with high-quality information sessions and in-depth skills demonstrations. The first National Truck Maintenance and Technology Conference will take place on Thursday, September 26 and Friday September 27 at the National Trade Centre (CNE Grounds) in Toronto.