October 2016
October 24, 2016
CTA to Minister: Truck Driving Jobs Not Disappearing
(Oct. 24, 2016) — Although it’s likely the job of the over-the-road truck driver may evolve somewhat, it will not be eliminated or disappear in the age of autonomous vehicle technology, Canadian Trucking Alliance President David Bradley wrote in a letter to federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau, who was reported as saying certain occupations – namely trucking – would disappear in the future as a result of automation. While Morneau was apparently trying to reassure people whose jobs may be disrupted by technology that the government is looking at ways to support them, Bradley expressed concern about the impact the minister’s comments could have on the morale of current truck drivers and on the industry’s ability – at a time when it is facing a chronic, long-term driver shortage – to attract and retain new operators. The letter was also aimed at informing the minister about the truck driving profession and how it continues to evolve. Although various forms of autonomous and semi-autonomous truck technology are already here – and bring potential benefits in terms of safety and fuel efficiency – to characterize these vehicles as driver-less is wrong, explains Bradley. Bradley cited platooning as a prime example of automated technology currently in development for real world applications where the operator’s role remains critical – whether it’s taking the wheel when necessary, negotiating shipping docks and assisting in the loading/unloading of the freight. And while this technology will continue to evolve in the future, Bradley reminds there is much work still to be done from a regulatory and operational perspective before they are in service in mainstream applications. Driving has always only been a part of what truck drivers do,” say Bradley. “So, while the job of the over-the-road truck driver may evolve somewhat, it will not be eliminated or disappear.” Furthermore, autonomous technology is not a potential solution to the driver shortage, as forecasts estimate there will be a capacity shortage of 48,000 truck drivers in Canada by 2024 and the gap between supply and demand for drivers is escalating more rapidly than industry analysts previously thought. “Rather than disappearing, the number of truck driving jobs to fill in Canada is going to continue to increase. The industry’s number one priority is seeking to employ more drivers in the future, not less,” says Bradley. “Trucking can help in the pursuit of job creation.”
October 14, 2016
Transport Canada says no flying with a Samsung Note 7 smartphone details here
October 3, 2016
A story that many in the truck transportation industry are use to hearing. The industry needs more people there are literally hundreds of jobs within the industry. ATV news story here
Hazard Alert – Labour Canada – Loading and unloading flatbed trucks at shipping and receiving sites
Background
A number of serious incidents have occurred whereby truck drivers were fatally injured or suffered amputations when unstable freight fell from a flatbed trailer and struck the driver. These accidents occurred during loading or unloading operations at sites not under the control of the driver’s employer, and when motorized material handling equipment was being operated by employees of the sites receiving the material. Drivers have a vital role in the proper loading of their trucks, because they are responsible for the road-worthiness and stability of the load. Unstable loads may consist of pipe, timber, or other materials.
Hazards
Factors that can lead to accidents or injury on or around flatbed trailers while loading or unloading loads include:
being unfamiliar with the flow of work in an active environment at the customers site;
failing to maintain good communications with the operator of the materials handling equipment;
using an unknown or untrustworthy means of securing freight during the loading process;
working or standing in an area where the load could fall if it shifts during the loading process;
assisting in a loading or unloading process with which the driver is not familiar;
becoming distracted during the process by performing other tasks, like preparing straps or chains; and
having little or no direction from a supervisor, or not having a procedure to follow.
Eliminating and Controlling the Hazard
Drivers must be aware of the following measures that can help prevent accidents and injuries during the loading or unloading of materials onto or off of flatbed trucks:
be aware of all hazards;
know the employer’s hazard prevention program and how it applies at a customer’s site;
use all the safety materials available at the site such chocks wedges cradles, shoring bars, tiedown strapping or dunnage;
work cooperatively with others involved in the process;
work within the controls or procedures set out by their employer and those of the shipper or receiver;
keep a safe distance from the load in case of a sudden shift;
develop a method for tying down the load to avoid working at heights without fall protection;
ensure the stability of the trailer’s air suspension when heavy loads are applied or removed; and
be aware of the right to refuse to work if a process appears dangerous.
Legislative Requirements
Employers shall ensure that the health and safety of employees working during the process of loading or unloading of a truck is protected at all sites. The Canada Labour Code Part II extends beyond the conventional work place and requires that employers ensure that the health and safety of employees is protected while conducting all work activities. Regulations require that hazards be known, quantified and controlled.
The Hazard Prevention Program found in Part XIX of the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (COHSR) requires employers to identify hazards in the workplace. The Labour Program’s Hazard Prevention Program Guide provides assistance in implementing a hazard prevention program that meets Part XIX of the COHSR.
To ensure the health and safety of employees on site while loading or unloading a truck, employers must consult the Policy Health and Safety Committee (where they exist) or the Work Place Health and Safety Committee or Representative to:
identify and assess hazards associated with working in unfamiliar workplaces;
identify and assess hazards associated with working with each and every type of load the driver may carry;
implement adequate control measures to address the assessed hazards, which could include using “no-go” zones during the loading process or simply not being involved;
train drivers on safe working procedures for loading and unloading the trailer; and
train employees on how to safely operate the necessary equipment.
For further information on hazards associated with loading and unloading see the following publications “Aches and Pains – Loading and Unloading a Truck” and “Tarping and Untarping on a Flatbed Trailer”.
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