Policy on University Drivers and Mandatory Safety Training
Effective
immediately, the Offices of Risk Management and Fire and Occupational
Safety have instituted a mandatory drivers' safety program for all
University staff, faculty, and students who are assigned by a division
or department to operate a vehicle loaned to, leased or owned by the
University or University-related business. Departments and divisions
will be given a reasonable opportunity to schedule such drivers to
attend a basic drivers' safety program sponsored by our offices and
conducted by a National Transportation Safety expert. Thereafter,
any department or division which sustains collision damage to a vehicle
operated by a driver who has not attended this program will incur
a 100% deductible for replacement of or repairs to the vehicle.
Programs will be offered throughout the summer and fall in a central
location on campus and at various times to accommodate our staff,
faculty, and student drivers. The program is four hours long and
includes a lecture, a film, and demonstration on safe vehicle operation
and maintenance and on accident management. Materials will be provided
to attendees, including a Pennsylvania Driver's Manual and vehicle
accident kit. Following the program, attendees will receive a certificate
of attendance which will be delivered to their supervisor or department
head. The cost for the presentation and materials are borne by Risk
Management and Safety Offices.
It is the responsibility of departmental and division supervisors
to ensure compliance with this program. All scheduling should be
conducted by the supervisors who must account for attendance to
the program in the event of a vehicle accident for which a claim
for reimbursement is made to the Office of Risk Management. This
policy does not relieve a department or division from the responsibility
for reporting all incidents involving University vehicles and the
property or vehicles of others, regardless of the status of the
drivers. The Office of Risk Management must receive an incident
report with verification of all drivers and witnesses, as well as
copies of police reports. The failure to report all such incidents
may result in the loss of insurance coverage, including liability
protection, to the University and its representatives.
Questions regarding this policy should be addressed to Risk Management
Ext 8-6235. Please also read Safety Bulletin #32 regarding motor
vehicle operation, available by calling Ext 8-6921, and address
any questions concerning this bulletin to that office. |
