In the US, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has identified motor vehicle crashes as the leading cause of work-related fatalities, impacting all sectors, including passenger transport. NIOSH promotes safety programs and evidence-based technologies to reduce crashes and ensuring worker safety. Neglecting health and safety in passenger transport risks accidents, injuries, elevated insurance costs, litigation and regulatory scrutiny. In contrast, investing in training, audits, and equipment, as demonstrated by industry leaders' disclosures, fosters a culture that prioritizes employees and increases wellness.
Navigating regulatory scrutiny and protecting workers
Injury and fatality rates can be significant in passenger transport, prompting companies to invest and innovate, engage and train
People: Social & Governance impacts
Passenger transport
AT A GLANCE
Transport workers are exposed to risks from mechanical failure or human error. Road transport fatalities are higher than the average.
Regulations mandate comprehensive safety measures and recordable incidents highlight the need for improved controls.
Even industry leaders incur penalties and must demonstrate extensive practices to protect employees and brand reputation.
US in focus
The passenger transport industry faces significant health and safety risks for both customers and workers. In the US, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) holds regulatory power to inspect passenger transport facilities and operations for violations. For willful or repeated violations, OSHA penalties can reach up to $161,323 per violation. A similar focus on safety risks can be seen in prior investigations, such as those by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which highlights worker and passenger risks in areas such as vehicle collisions and operator fatigue. These risks can result in severe consequences for both transport companies and public safety.
Total Recordable Incidents
The passenger transport industry has increasingly focused on safety improvements, with airlines and other transport firms focused on disclosure of their Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR). Delta Airlines plans to invest US$1 billion in technology, training and safety initiatives by 2025, and has implemented a proactive safety observation system, similar to Amazon’s “Dragonfly”, enabling employees to report hazards and near-misses in real-time.
Broader overview of frameworks
ISO 45001 and OSHA policies guide companies in the passenger transport industry. Compliance can be reported through framework such as SASB Transportation standards and GRI 403—Occupational Health and Safety. The International Association of Public Transport (UITP) promotes health and safety through its own guidelines, similar to OHSAS 18001 and ISO 39001, offering training, audits and risk mitigation strategies tailored to passenger transport.
Innovative tools
Leading companies in the passenger transport industry must enhance health and safety efforts in line with evolving regulations and technology. Technologies, such as those used by Virgin Trains, incorporate augmented reality (AR) in safety training to improve driver skills and passenger safety. The UITP recommends adopting innovative tools like AR to enhance health and safety practices.
FURTHER READING
- IRU Road Passenger Transport Security Guidelines (World Road Transport Organisation)
- Health & Safety for Passengers & Crew (IATA)
- GRI 403: Occupational Health and Safety 2018 (GRI)