OSHA has teamed up with the US Department of Transportation to fight distracted driving. In the partnership the organizations are looking to target texting while on the job.
According to Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis "it is imperative that employers eliminate financial and other incentives that encourage workers to text while driving." Sec. Solis went on to say that it is well recognized that texting dramatically increases the probability is of being in a motor vehicle accident.
Previously, by executive order president Obama prohibited federal employees from texting while driving. This new initiative is an effort to get private industry to also combat this dangerous practice.
OSHA and DOT have called upon private employers to adopt policies to prohibit any practice, which requires or encourages workers to text while driving.
According to OSHA, the Act is clear employees must be provided with a safe workplace free of recognized hazards.
Apparently, by this action, OSHA is demonstrating that texting while driving constitutes a recognized hazard.
