[Ord. No. 3067 §§ 1, 3, 4-18-2017]
The City of St. Robert Vehicle Safety Policy is designed to reduce the number of employee accidents, provide for a safer working environment and as a byproduct reduce the number of workers' compensation claims, therefore, reducing the City's workers' compensation premiums.
[Ord. No. 3067 §§ 1, 3, 4-18-2017]
As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
THREE POINT CONTACT
An employee must have a foot and two (2) hands or two (2) feet and one (1) hand in contact with the ground, step, and/or handhold at all times.
[Ord. No. 3067 §§ 1, 3, 4-18-2017]
A. 
To all employees:
1. 
The intent of this City policy is to maintain a vehicle safety program designed to keep vehicle crashes to an absolute minimum. The City will comply with, and exceed where practical and beneficial, all laws and regulations regarding operation of our vehicles. Our goal is to maintain the safest vehicles, operated in the safest manner possible.
2. 
The fundamental tenets of our vehicle loss control program are listed in the accompanying procedures and rules. All employees are responsible for, and will be held accountable for, proper execution of our vehicle safety program.
3. 
However, loss control succeeds only when all members of our City join in this responsibility and in the desire and effort to create and maintain a continuous loss control program. Only those employees who have a record of safe driving and who continue to demonstrate an ability to operate our vehicles in a safe manner will be allowed to drive City vehicles.
4. 
Let's join together in an effective safety program. As an employee, you should be constantly alert to the potential for vehicle crashes and be prepared to take preventive action when needed. Your safety suggestions are welcome and should be submitted to your department head. We ask that you cooperate fully in the safety education, training, and control procedures established to carry out our safety program and to make a success of our company's loss control program.
5. 
The success of the safety program will benefit all of us.
[Ord. No. 3067 §§ 1, 3, 4-18-2017]
A. 
The following rules are minimum expectations for operating all City of St. Robert vehicles:
1. 
Drivers and passengers must be properly secured in a seatbelt whenever the vehicle is in motion.
2. 
Any employee who is consuming a prescribed or authorized controlled substance or other substance of any kind whose side effects may inhibit or impair the employee's performance shall provide written notice to the Human Resources Director of such consumption upon reporting for work and prior to engaging in any work-related activity, or earlier if possible. Failure to report shall be cause for disciplinary action, including a range of options which may include termination from the City employment.
3. 
An employee may not operate a City vehicle or report for duty within four (4) hours after using alcohol.
4. 
Use of controlled substances is prohibited.
5. 
No City of St. Robert employee will knowingly allow another driver to operate a vehicle on City business if that driver's ability to do so safely is impaired by use of alcohol, taking of medications, use of illegal substances, fatigue or any other condition. Please report any concerns to your supervisor immediately.
6. 
Except in an emergency, communications devices, including cell phones (whether hand-held or hands-free), are not to be used by the driver while the vehicle is in motion.
7. 
Traffic laws are to be obeyed at all times.
8. 
To prevent slip, trips and falls, employees are required to wear appropriate footwear while driving.
9. 
Maintain good housekeeping in the shop area. Keep floors clear of trip hazards like boxes, pallets, tools, cords, parts, etc. Clean up oil and other fluid spills with appropriate products.
10. 
Use appropriate personal protective equipment when operating any tools that can create flying objects.
11. 
Walk, do not run! Horseplay, scuffling and other acts of fighting or instigating a fight is prohibited.
12. 
No driver is to knowingly operate any vehicle with mechanical problems or other defects that affect safe operation of the vehicle.
13. 
No City employee will knowingly allow a vehicle to be driven that has mechanical problems or other defects that affect safe operation of the vehicle.
14. 
At all times, drivers will drive defensively, courteously, and in a manner that reflects well on the City.
15. 
Drivers are responsible for properly securing unattended vehicles. This includes:
a. 
Never leaving the keys in the vehicle or vehicles running.
b. 
Never leaving materials or inventory in plain view where they will be susceptible to theft or damage.
c. 
Locking an unattended vehicle.
[Ord. No. 3067 §§ 1, 3, 4-18-2017]
A. 
Employees must report all workplace injuries promptly. This will help us provide the most appropriate care for an injured worker and return them to work safely and as swiftly as possible.
B. 
Any accident, incident, or near miss, no matter how slight, should be reported to your supervisor immediately. The City will be responsible for taking appropriate follow-up actions, directing medical care and completing an incident investigation.
C. 
Human Resources may direct medical treatment as allowed by the Missouri workers compensation statute. Any request for medical treatment should be made to Human Resources. If you choose to seek care on your own without authorization, it may be at your own expense. If you receive medical care and after an investigation your condition is deemed not work-related according to the workers compensation statutes, you or your insurance company will be liable for the medical charges.
D. 
The employee or his or her supervisor must complete any incident investigation forms and assist Human Resources during the investigation.
[Ord. No. 3067 §§ 1, 3, 4-18-2017]
If an employee is injured on the job, our goal is to assist in obtaining medical treatment and return the employee to work as soon as possible. Our employees also have responsibilities for notifying us of their condition and providing appropriate information to assist in the return-to-work process. Through this joint effort, recoveries are faster, and employees return to productive work environments sooner. Light duty is a temporary remedy, and the length of time allowed will be decided on a case-by-case basis. If you are off work due to injury, you must contact Human Resources to provide updates regarding your medical status.
[Ord. No. 3067 §§ 1, 3, 4-18-2017]
A. 
The following is a list of safe driving rules that all drivers must take into consideration when driving a City vehicle:
1. 
Drinking alcoholic beverages while driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or restricted drugs is prohibited. Per the City's Alcohol and Drug policy, if you have legal prescription drugs that might impair your ability to operate a City vehicle, you must notify Human Resources.
2. 
Drivers must have a valid driver's license for the type of vehicle to be operated, and keep the license with them at all times.
3. 
Traffic laws must be obeyed.
a. 
Speed shall never be faster than a rate consistent with existing speed laws and road, traffic and weather conditions. Posted speed limits must be obeyed.
b. 
Never attempt to exercise right-of-way; always let the other driver go first.
c. 
Keep to the right except when overtaking slow-moving vehicles, or when getting into a position to make a left turn.
d. 
Never follow a vehicle so closely that you will not be able to make a safe stop under any conditions.
e. 
Turn signals must be used to show where you are heading while going into traffic and before every turn or lane change.
f. 
Be aware of school zones and areas where pedestrian traffic is high or likely to be high.
g. 
Observe overpass clearances.
h. 
Avoiding scales or deviating from safest route is prohibited.
4. 
City vehicles are to be driven by authorized drivers only.
5. 
Plan your trip in advance to avoid high-traffic areas, road construction, and areas known for traffic congestion. Choose a safer alternate route.
6. 
Do not give rides to hitchhikers or strangers.
7. 
Check your vehicle daily before each trip. Check the vehicle visually before driving. Check lights, brakes, and steering. Any unsafe conditions must be reported to management.
8. 
Drivers must report all accidents immediately to their supervisor.
9. 
Drivers must report all traffic convictions and arrest to supervisor. Repeated traffic offenses and non-reporting may result in disciplinary action. Drivers are responsible for traffic violation costs.
10. 
Drivers must adhere to other driving rules and local jurisdiction laws.
11. 
When backing up vehicles the driver should get out of the truck and conduct a walk around looking for obstacles, low-hanging lines, poles and structures that could be contacted. If possible have a spotter assist when backing up.
12. 
No use of cell phones is allowed while operating a City vehicle, unless in hands-free mode. It is a best practice to make all calls while the vehicle is parked. Cell phone use needs to be kept to a minimum while driving to avoid distractions, even in the hands-free mode.
13. 
Minimize all distractions while driving. This includes eating, drinking and other electronic devices such as GPS systems. Texting and operating a GPS system is prohibited by the driver when operating any City vehicle.
[Ord. No. 3067 §§ 1, 3, 4-18-2017]
A. 
Conduct a visual check of the vehicle before each trip. Look for oil leaks, tire inflation, light check, and overall condition of vehicle.
B. 
If any defects are found, notify supervisor to get fixed.
C. 
When backing up the vehicle the driver must walk around the area to make sure they are clear of any obstacles or fixed objects.
[Ord. No. 3067 §§ 1, 3, 4-18-2017]
A. 
When employees and drivers are climbing into and out of trucks a three-point contact concept of mounting and dismounting should be followed.
B. 
Employees should stop and look before mounting or dismounting trucks and equipment.
C. 
Do not climb on or use tires to access trailer or engine compartment.
D. 
Check the condition of the ground and climbing surfaces. Dirt, mud, grease, snow, ice or other debris can make steps, handholds, ladders, platforms, truck beds, bumpers, etc., dangerous and can lead to injuries.
E. 
Clean surfaces before mounting or dismounting equipment when possible. Look and listen for other vehicles and equipment when exiting trucks.
F. 
When exiting trucks or equipment the following rules apply:
1. 
Never jump from the cab or equipment.
2. 
Maintain a three-point contact when exiting.
3. 
Exit facing the truck, never exit facing away from the truck.
G. 
Three (3) points of contact are necessary at all times for employees to maintain stability while getting in and out of a truck or other equipment. To do this, a person must have a foot and two (2) hands or two (2) feet and one (1) hand in contact with the ground, step, and/or handhold at all times.
[Ord. No. 3067 §§ 1, 3, 4-18-2017]
A. 
Each company vehicle will be provided with the following:
1. 
First aid kit;
2. 
Flashlight;
3. 
Reflective safety vest;
4. 
Fire extinguisher;
5. 
Reflective triangles/flares; and
6. 
The St. Robert Police Department will investigate all vehicle accidents.
[Ord. No. 3067 §§ 1, 3, 4-18-2017]
No modifications of any kind to a company vehicle will be made without approval. The Mayor and/or the City Administrator are responsible for reviewing and approving any requested or proposed modification. Modifications will only be approved if the modification is for a legitimate business reason and does not create an unsafe condition, does not impair or circumvent any safety device, and will not distract the driver from safe operation of the vehicle.
[Ord. No. 3067 §§ 1, 3, 4-18-2017]
Our vehicle maintenance program is intended to maximize the life of our vehicles, to minimize operating costs and to reduce the chance of a vehicle crash caused by the condition of a vehicle. All employees involved in our vehicle operations are expected to help keep our vehicles in good, safe operating condition and to report any deficiencies.
[Ord. No. 3067 §§ 1, 3, 4-18-2017]
A. 
No City vehicle will be operated with known defects in vehicle systems or components that are critical to safe operation of the vehicle. These critical areas include, at a minimum:
1. 
Brakes and brake systems.
2. 
Brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers.
3. 
Steering.
4. 
Other components considered critical.
[Ord. No. 3067 §§ 1, 3, 4-18-2017]
A. 
Each vehicle will be inspected by the assigned driver per the schedule set by the department head. The inspection will follow the list on the vehicle inspection report. The employee will complete the vehicle inspection report and turn in a copy to the mechanic supervisor for the vehicle.
B. 
As part of his/her inspection, the employee will check the previous weekly inspection report and verify that any critical defects identified on that report were corrected.
C. 
If a critical defect is identified, the employee will immediately notify the supervisor. Any critical defect must be corrected before the vehicle is used for normal operations.
[Ord. No. 3067 §§ 1, 3, 4-18-2017]
All City vehicles are to be kept clean (interior and exterior) and organized.
[Ord. No. 3067 §§ 1, 3, 4-18-2017]
A. 
A schedule will be established for each vehicle for service and preventive maintenance. At a minimum, the vehicle manufacturer's recommended service will be followed. The supervisor is responsible for ensuring that each vehicle receives its regular preventive maintenance.
B. 
This preventive maintenance work will be performed by the Garage Department or a service company.
[Ord. No. 3067 §§ 1, 3, 4-18-2017]
All vehicle repairs are to go to the Garage Department for repair or final disposition.
[Ord. No. 3067 §§ 1, 3, 4-18-2017]
A. 
A record will be maintained on each vehicle by the Shop Supervisor. This record will be identified by our vehicle number, vehicle identification number, make/year and will include:
1. 
Dates and vehicle mileage/hours of scheduled maintenance and who performed.
2. 
Dates of any repairs made, nature of the repairs and who completed the repairs.
3. 
Copies of drivers' inspection reports, including corrections made as a result of those reports.