Safety Tips for Work Travel

Did you know that many states and territories (including NSW, QLD and ACT) consider the journey to and from work as part of the concept of ‘work’? As such, employers may be liable for any injuries that occur during an employee’s regular route to and from work.

The following safety tips for work travel are designed to help keep employees as safe as possible when traveling to and from work.

When traveling via car:

• When driving, always keep your car doors locked.
• When returning to your car after dark, make sure you park your car in a well lit and busy area.
• Do not keep your bag on the front passenger seat.  Many accidents occur when bags fall off the seat and the driver takes their eyes off the road to pick up their bag from the floor of the car.  Alternatively, keep your bag between the back and front seat of the car or the boot.
• Never text or take phone calls while driving.  Even using the hands free function on your phone is dangerous as your attention is diverted from the road by the conversation you are having on the phone.  Keeping your phone out of reach while driving can help you to avoid temptation.
• Try not to eat or drink while driving. Keep takeaway coffee in a proper drink compartment.
• Keep music at a low volume so you can hear emergency service alarms and other road users.
• Always follow road and traffic rules.  Remember there is no such thing as safe speeding.
• When traveling long distances remember to stop, revive, survive.
• Never drink and drive.  When traveling home after work drinks, always arrange alternative transportation such as public transport, a taxi or ask a friend or family member to take you home.

When traveling on foot or via public transport:

• Avoid walking home alone at night.  Keep to well lit paths and busy areas where people can see you.  Try not to take short cuts home through alley ways, parks or deserted areas.  When listening to mp3 players, keep the volume low so you can hear traffic or others walking near you.
• If you think someone is following you, cross the road a number of times so you can see if they are still following you. If you think you are being followed by a car, turn around and walk in the opposite direction.  The car will then have to do a U-Turn to continue following you.  If possible, try to take a mental note of the car’s appearance and the details of the number plate.  When home safely, report the car to the relevant authority.
• Always keep your bag as close to your body as possible.  If someone tries to take your bag, let it go.  Your personal safety is more important than your bag.
• If someone threatens you, scream as loudly as you can and run away.  Get the attention of the nearest person, house or police station.  It is often effective to yell fire, rather than help or single out passersby as people are more likely to pay attention.   If you cannot run away, grab onto the nearest pole.  It is very difficult to drag someone away when they are wrapped around a pole!
• Never get into a strangers car or hitch-hike.
• Keep an alarm or pepper spray in your hand when walking home at night.  Do not keep it in the bottom of your bag.
• Always remember to act with caution.  Safety awareness or self defense classes can also be helpful - see your local community centre or university to see if they run any short causes or classes.