Page 20 - The Edge - Summer 2021

Bus Driver Safety Involves More Than Traffic and Kids

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ladder can tip if not used properly.” to make it safe and comfortable, with no aches
or pains. But, sometimes it gets complicated. Let
Regarding a spill or some other potential problem, drivers know you want them to sit up straight, not
Frandsen said, “If you see hazard, address it. Put scrunched over. Knees at 90 degrees bent.”
something there so people will see it. Then get
help.” Drivers also need to be aware of sharp items left on
buses, such as broken glass and diabetic needles.
To improve on slips, trips, and falls, Frandsen urged Frandsen said sharp items should go in a special
supervisors to do a pre-trip walk-around. “Observe container, not with the trash.
behavior,” he said. “See if people are doing things
right. Consider how to improve training. Look in If a driver wears glasses, bifocals may not be
buses, check flooring for slipping hazards. Talk to advised while driving. You don’t want drivers to tilt
employees – listen to employees.” back or forward to look through the top or bottom
of glasses, according to Frandsen.
He recommended checking to see if mechanics
have the right tools – then provide the necessary “If a driver is having any discomfort, address it
equipment. Back injuries are a problem, even for early or it will get worse,” he said.
bus drivers. Overexertion, lifting too much or lack
of proper equipment can be the cause. Frandsen On long trips taking a team to an out-of-town event,
mentioned several helpful tools, saying, “Lifts can it is recommended that drivers find a safe place for
save a back. Train how to bend over and pick up a rest stop on the way. “It’s OK at an appropriate
trash and how to clean a bus properly. It’s OK to time to stand up and walk around to get the blood
kneel down on one knee to pick up something.” flowing,” Frandsen said.

“Develop a safety culture in the Regarding hazardous materials, special training
might be needed. During the COVID-19 pandemic,
Transportation Department. Be health officials are asking drivers to disinfect buses.
a safety champion.” Drivers have a right to understand the hazards,
about not getting it on their skin, and how to treat
themselves. They also need to know what personal
Injuries are preventable. Ask drivers what you can protective equipment is necessary, Frandsen said.
do to help them. Are you getting driver feedback?
Back injuries can occur when a driver is locking To enhance safety for drivers and mechanics,
down a wheelchair, Frandsen noted. Frandsen recommended: “Be observant, listen
for feedback, be proactive, conduct a job-safety
“One of the biggest challenges drivers have is analysis regarding PPE, recognize deficiencies,
stress,” he said. “They have a lot on their mind – develop programs and processes, and increase
not just physical, it’s mental. You have a lot of kids awareness and understanding.”
on your bus. That’s a big concern.”

If a driver had a bad day, it’s important to find out why. Dave Frandsen can be reached at: frandsenconsulting@gmail.com

Another issue for some drivers involves ergonomics.
They sit for many hours a day on a bus. “Some seats
are better than others,” Frandsen said. “Spend a
little more so drivers are comfortable. Know how

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20 THE EDGE SUMMER 2021