Workers in the energy and telecommunications sectors encounter a wide array of safety challenges every day. From handling high-voltage equipment to battling harsh weather conditions and working at towering heights, the risks are constant. These challenges intensify for those working alone, as they not only have to tackle the physical demands of their job but also bear the burden of self-monitoring and staying vigilant.
The National Safety Council highlights slip, trip, and fall hazards, which are particularly prevalent in outdoor environments where uneven surfaces can be treacherous. This underscores the importance of maintaining heightened awareness. While safety training is typically provided, certain hazards—especially those related to vehicle operations—deserve extra attention. Identifying and addressing these obstacles is key to ensuring the well-being of workers in the field.
Understanding the Safety Challenges for Telecom and Utility Drivers
Driving a company vehicle is just one aspect of a telecommunications or utility worker’s responsibilities. Their primary tasks lie in the work they perform in the field. Depending on their role, the type of vehicle they drive can vary greatly—whether it’s a box truck, a utility vehicle, or a passenger van. While the rules of the road apply to all drivers, the way each vehicle handles and what it is capable of differs significantly.
Utility trucks, for example, require a Class B commercial driver’s license (CDL), while many telecommunications vehicles do not, meaning drivers may not always have the specialized training necessary to ensure safety behind the wheel.
Here are five key driving safety challenges faced by utility and telecommunications workers:
1. Turning Radius
Utility vehicles require wide turns because their rear wheels follow a tighter path than the front wheels. This can make it challenging to safely navigate turns, especially in areas with limited space or heavy traffic. Drivers might misjudge their turning radius, potentially causing collisions or accidents.
2. Stopping Distance
Trucks take much longer to stop than passenger vehicles, and this stopping distance increases on wet or slippery roads. When vehicles around the truck don’t leave enough space for the larger vehicle to stop, the risk of a collision is heightened.
3. Blind Spots
Trucks have significantly larger blind spots compared to passenger cars, primarily due to their size and the driver’s high position in the cabin. A medium-duty truck, for example, can have a blind spot extending up to 160 feet behind it. Many drivers of passenger vehicles don’t understand these blind spots, which can lead to unsafe situations, especially when passing or following behind.
Blind spots also present challenges when working off the road. Utility and telecom workers frequently park in narrow driveways, alleys, or on the roadside. This makes backing out or merging into traffic particularly dangerous.
4. Maneuvering in Tight Spaces
Utility and telecommunications workers often need to navigate narrow alleys, cramped parking lots, or tight workspaces. These situations can be complicated by low-hanging branches or roofs. Mastering close-quarter maneuvering is an essential skill that takes time but is crucial for ensuring safety in these challenging conditions.
5. Backing and Parking
Reverse driving accidents account for up to 25% of commercial vehicle crashes. Visibility when backing up is limited, often requiring the driver to take their eyes off the road ahead to peer out the rear window. This increases the risk of accidents, particularly in tight spaces where visibility is further reduced. In fact, backing crashes are among the most dangerous, accounting for a significant number of fatalities and injuries each year. For instance, in 2017, of 49 workers killed by dump trucks, 40 died in backing incidents.
Enhancing Driver Safety for Telecom and Utility Workers
While safety managers can’t eliminate the inherent risks and unique challenges faced by drivers in the telecom and utility sectors, they can introduce policies and provide training that better prepares drivers to manage these risks. Equipping workers with the right tools, knowledge, and strategies for handling these challenges can improve both individual and fleet-wide safety records, ultimately making the work environment safer for all.
