Introduction

Safety is paramount in every aspect of our lives, spanning various contexts, from personal well-being to professional environments. Here are several key reasons why safety holds such significance:

1. Protection of Life and Health: Safety measures aim to prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Ensuring safety protocols are in place reduces the risk of harm to individuals in everyday situations and hazardous environments.
2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Strict safety regulations and standards govern many industries and activities. Compliance with these guidelines prevents legal issues and fosters a culture of responsibility and care.
3. Enhanced Productivity: A safe environment promotes efficiency and productivity. When workers feel secure, they are more likely to focus on their tasks without fear of injury or harm, leading to better performance overall.
4. Cost Savings: Preventing accidents through safety measures reduces costs associated with medical expenses, insurance claims, legal fees, and potential fines. Businesses also benefit from reduced downtime and higher employee retention rates.
5. Reputation and Trust: Organizations prioritizing safety build a positive reputation among employees, customers, and the public. Trust in the brand increases, attracting talented employees and loyal customers.
6. Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating risks through safety protocols minimizes potential hazards before they escalate. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of emergencies and their impact.
7. Employee Morale and Satisfaction: A safe workplace fosters a supportive environment where employees feel valued and cared for. This, in turn, boosts morale, job satisfaction, and overall well-being.
8. Environmental Protection: Safety practices often include measures to minimize environmental impact and ensure sustainability. This commitment demonstrates corporate responsibility and respect for natural resources.
9. Continuous Improvement: Emphasizing safety encourages ongoing evaluation and improvement of processes and systems. This proactive stance helps organizations adapt to new challenges and technological advancements.
10. Community and Social Responsibility: Safety extends beyond the workplace, impacting communities and society. Organizations prioritizing safety contribute positively to their surroundings and fulfill their social obligations.

In summary, safety is not merely a legal requirement or a set of procedures; it is a fundamental principle that safeguards lives, enhances well-being, and supports sustainable development across all facets of life.

Requirements

All drivers for Russell Landscape must have a:

1. Valid driver's license
2. Acceptable motor vehicle report
3. Current Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card, where applicable 
4. Negative drug test

The drivers are responsible for ensuring that the above items are kept current and in good standing. Drivers whose license is revoked or suspended must notify their manager immediately and cannot drive a company vehicle. In addition, drivers must notify their manager of any traffic violations/citations received on or off the job, as it may affect their ability to operate a company-owned vehicle. An MVR will be pulled at least once per year to ensure it meets the requirements. If an MVR does not meet guidelines, driving privileges will be revoked.

All drivers are required to go through the Driver Safety course, which includes the following:

1. Watching the Defensive Driving video
2. Watching the Fatigue Driver Video in Russell Landscape University (RLU)
3. Passing a road test requires a minimum of 10 miles and involves interstate and highway travel. 
4. Read through this Safety Guide and adhere to all requirements.
5. Sign the Safe-Drive Check Ride form.

Fatigue Management 

Fatigue Management Policy

All employees operating a company-owned vehicle agree to follow the following fatigue management guidelines. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in revocation of an employee’s privilege to operate company vehicles or termination under some circumstances. 

Purpose and Intended Outcomes

This policy establishes the requirements for managing fatigue. Its goal is to reduce the risk of fatigue-related injuries and incidents in the workplace. 

Scope and Coverage

This policy applies to all drivers. 

Definitions:

Fatigue is a mental or physical exhaustion that prevents a person from functioning normally. It can also mean that a person cannot function safely in the work environment. Fatigue has many causes but is usually related to inadequate restorative sleep. 

Restorative sleep is the process by which the body overcomes fatigue. It involves cycles of deep sleep that allow a person to recuperate and wake up refreshed. 

Shift work: Work performed outside the hours between 0600 and 1800 hours, Monday to Friday. 

Sleep cycles are determined by the body’s natural biological rhythms (also known as circadian rhythms or the ‘body clock’), which are repeated every 24 hours. In addition to regulating sleep cycles, biological rhythms regulate body temperature, digestion, and hormone levels. 

Policy Statement 

Russell Landscape is committed to providing and maintaining a safe work environment, including those whose work involves driving and is associated with shifts work, extended hours, or on-call arrangements. 

Fatigue can be caused by both work-related and non-work-related factors. Non-work factors include family responsibilities, social activities, health issues—such as sleep disorders—study commitments, and sporting commitments. Work factors include shift work—especially the night shift—and working extended hours. 

While everyone doesn’t respond to fatigue similarly, fatigue can cause reduced concentration, impaired coordination, compromised judgment, and slower reaction times, ultimately increasing the risk of incidents and injuries. 

Responsibilites

Russell Landscape drivers are responsible for ensuring that fatigue does not impact their safety, health, and well-being. 

Managers and supervisors are responsible for:

Risk management should be applied in consultation with staff and by the fatigue risk management system. 

Ensuring systems of work that minimize the risk of fatigue—for example, reasonable rosters, reasonable overtime practices, and adequate recovery between shifts.

Providing opportunities for workers to obtain adequate rest from work. 

Monitoring workloads, work patterns, and rostering arrangements ensures workers are not at risk from fatigue.

Consulting with workers when introducing shift work or new rostering systems.

Providing information, instruction and training about risks to health, safety or welfare of workers involved with shift work, extended hours and on-call arrangements. 

Ensuring workers performing shift work are properly supervised and that tasks are undertaken safely. 

Workers are responsible for:

Participating in risk management classes and processes.

Using time off from work to recuperate to be fit and able for the next shift.

Participating in education and training to gain an understanding of fatigue. 

Avoid behaviors and practices contributing to fatigue that could place themselves and others at risk—for example, secondary employment or not using time off work to recuperate. 

Recognizing signs of fatigue that could place the health, safety and well-being of themselves or others at risk and reporting this to their manager or supervisor. 

Results of Breaches of Policy

Breaches of this policy and any associated procedures may result in disciplinary action initiated by Russell Landscape Discipline Policy.

Distracted Driving/Hands-Free Policy and Procedure

Drivers are not permitted to hold, support, or manipulate any cell phone while driving. This includes stop lights and traffic build-up.  Drivers are to assign a fellow crew member to use the cell phone and assist with navigation. 

Pre-Trip

Before starting Russell Landscape-owned vehicles, drivers must complete the following:

1. Perform a 360-degree walkaround inspection of the vehicle to ensure all necessary components are present and in good working order. Drivers are to report any missing or unsafe conditions to their supervisor immediately.
2. A DOT Vehicle Report must be completed and submitted to your supervisor before the route begins. 
3. Any questions regarding the DOT Vehicle Inspection Report should be directed to your supervisor.
4. The oil and fluids must be inspected daily before cranking the vehicle. Ensure that the oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels are within acceptable levels indicated on reservoirs or dipsticks.
5. The driver must ensure all equipment, cargo, and debris are correctly secured and strapped down to avoid damage or loss while driving. NEVER overload a vehicle. If you are uncertain - contact your supervisor.
6. All mirrors must be checked and adjusted before starting the vehicle. Ensure that you have a clear and complete view from each mirror. Have another crew member assist you with adjusting mirrors to ensure your view is unobstructed from your normal driving position.
7. It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that EVERYONE in the vehicle is properly buckled up. Drivers are not permitted to operate the vehicle until each passenger fastens their seatbelt. Drivers are to report crew members who refuse to wear their seat belts to their supervisor before operating the vehicle.

Starting the Vehicle

Before cranking any Russell Landscape vehicle, be sure of the following:

The gear shift is in the park (P) or neutral for manual transmission vehicles. 

Your foot is placed firmly on the brake pedal.

Ensure your headlights are always on for added safety.

Ensure all phones are placed either in an approved hands-free phone holder or in the hands of a fellow team member in the passenger seat. Drivers are not allowed to have a phone in their hands or supported by their body while operating a vehicle. Once you have cranked the vehicle, take a moment to notice anything out of the ordinary, such as vibrations, noises, smoking, or warning lights on the dashboard, and report them to your supervisor.

Moving Forward

1. Two hands are to be always on the opposite sides of the steering wheel at 9 and 3. 
2. Before pulling into traffic, drivers must look both ways and over their shoulders to ensure the path is completely clear of hazards.

Stopping

Many Russell Landscape vehicles are heavy, commercial vehicles requiring additional care when braking and stopping. When braking and stopping, please be sure to:

1. Apply the appropriate amount and steady pressure to the brake pedal. Sudden or hard stops can cause damage to the braking systems, cause loads to shift, and put you and your passengers in danger.
2. Drivers are to stop at an appropriate distance beyond crosswalks and stop lines.
3. Before braking, ensure you know your surroundings, especially other traffic behind you.

Turns

Russell Landscape vehicles are often larger than personal vehicles, so extra care and caution must be taken when making turns. Always be sure to:

1. Slow down and signal before making a turn.
2. Yield the right-of-way when necessary.
3. Keep a sharp eye out for any hazards.
4. Begin and end turns in the correct lane.
5. Accept the legal right-of-way when safe.

Backing

Backing up can harm Russell Landscape vehicles, crew members, pedestrians, and property. When putting the vehicle in reverse, the driver must have a spotter, regardless of the situation. Be sure you and your spotter know the vehicle's intended destination and work together to maneuver the vehicle to that destination safely. Backing up is prohibited without a spotter, with no exceptions.

Changing Lanes

Because visibility can often be limited due to the size, shape, and load carried on Russell Landscape vehicles, we must take great care when changing lanes. Always be sure to:

1. Signal.
2. Check your mirrors.
3. Check over your shoulder and other blind spots.
4. Avoid excessive or aggressive lane changes.

Parking

Parking also requires extra caution to protect Russell Landscape vehicles and personnel. Please follow the guidelines below:

1. Ensure the vehicle is a safe distance from the curb and out of the traffic flow.
2. The vehicle is in the park (P) with the parking brake set.
3. If your vehicle is equipped with special signal lighting and you are parked on a job site requiring special lighting, ensure those lights are on and functioning.
4. Cones are placed surrounding the vehicle to ensure other motorists are aware of our presence and maintain a safe distance from our equipment and team members.
5. When leaving a parked position, signal, check your surroundings, and look over your shoulder before pulling back into the traffic flow.

Entering the Highway

Be sure to follow the following guidelines when entering and

exiting the highway:

1. Check the flow of traffic ahead.
2. Use your turn signals.
3. Time your entry into the traffic flow safely, leaving sufficient room ahead of and behind the vehicle.
4. Adjust your speed to road and traffic conditions.
5. Travel in the two right lanes and obey all traffic signals and posted speed limits.
6. Signal ahead of time when approaching the off-ramp.
7. Slow to a safe speed on the exit ramp.

Defensive Driving

Russell Landscape expects all our drivers to drive defensively and courteously. The following will assist us in ensuring that is the case:

1. Check your mirrors frequently and before braking.
2. Continuously scan for hazards, checking the center and sides of the road.
3. Check cross streets at lights and intersections before entering the intersection.
4. Keep a safe cushion of space between your vehicle and other vehicles and fixed objects.
5. NEVER tailgate - always follow at a safe distance.
6. Be accommodating, patient, and courteous to other motorists and pedestrians.

Accidents

In the unlikely event that you become involved in a traffic accident, notify your supervisor right away. You must follow the emergency checklist in the truck. It is the driver's responsibility to know where the checklist is located, to be familiar with the necessary steps, and to execute the checklist in the event of an accident.

Please note that, regardless of the situation, drivers are NOT to admit fault to anyone. Drivers are to respect all parties on the scene but never to apologize or admit fault or wrongdoing.

Drive Safely

As a driver for Russell Landscape, you are responsible for the safety and security of the public, Russell Landscape employees, and assets. We expect our drivers to be amongst the finest on the road and always drive carefully, cautiously, and courteously. Please be aware that drivers who have accidents in company vehicles can be held responsible for damages that result from an accident and face disciplinary action up to and including termination. In addition, disregard for the guidelines provided will result in disciplinary action up to and including discharge. If you should have any questions, please see your supervisor. Thank you for your attention, and remember to be kind to all other motorists and drive carefully!