Report from the OH&S Canada (Spring 2024)
IBC – stands for the ‘Insurance Bureau of Canada’
New commercial truck drivers who have not received adequate training are putting the safety of Canada’s roads and highways in jeopardy, according to a report from the IBC.
IBC workers with MNP, a professional services firm, to identify the key factors impacting the cost of insurance for commercial truck operators. It found drivers with less training and experience are more likely to be involved in collisions and make costly claims than drivers with more training and experience. Insurance claims related to commercial trucking accidents have been increasing rapidly in recent years, it said.
Key findings in the report include the following:
- Truck drivers with less than three years experience have a greater likelihood of being involved in a collision.
- Collisions involving heavy loads or dangerous goods tend to be more severe and have potential for greater damage. As a result, the level of required liability coverage increases when these goods are transported, affecting premiums.
- Premiums for vehicles traveling outside of Canada are impacted by exposure to excess jury verdicts in the United States – court verdicts where juries award plaintiffs exceptionally high amounts.
- The enforcement of commercial truck regulations violations is inadequate.
- Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) has yet to be implemented across Canada.
- Training quality varies by school; there needs to be oversight, and standards need to be enforced.
My opinion
I was surprised to hear that there was little oversight for such an important section of the material handling transporting in Canada.
In British Columbia, all new Class 1 commercial driver’s license applicants must complete an ICBC-approved Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) course before attempting a road test, a requirement that became effective on October 18, 2021.
In Ontario, mandatory entry-level training will include at least 103.5 hours of instruction and cover the entry-level knowledge and skills needed to safely operate a large truck on Ontario’s roads.
Once you’ve completed the training, your driving record will be updated automatically.
If you meet all the other Class A requirements you can take a Class A road test at a DriveTest centre.
The training will be valid for life.
In Newfoundland and Labrador (NFLD) implemented mandatory entry-level training (MELT) for new commercial vehicle drivers, effective January 3, 2024, requiring them to complete an approved training program before obtaining a Class 1 driver’s license.
These 3 provinces see the benefits of upgraded training so, hopefully, the other provinces will follow suit. These are not the only provinces being progressive but there are still some that need to step up.
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs.
Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.
We can also be reached at info@hrsgroup.com
Ensure your workplace is a safe place.
Remember – In Ontario, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
CEO & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.
I wanted to thank you for all the great information you are providing.
Thanks!
Thanks!