Commercial Livery Driving—Workplace Violence

1. Commercial Livery Driving—Workplace Violence

2. Introduction How to Use this Presentation DISCLAIMERThis training material presents very important, pertinent information. It should not be assumed, however, that this program satisfies every legal requirement of every state. Some states require the training be developed and delivered by an individual with specific training and experience. This training is AWARENESS LEVEL and does not authorize any person to perform work or validate their level of competency; it must be supplemented with operation and process-specific assessments and training, as well as management oversight, to assure that all training is understood and followed. Your organization must do an evaluation of all exposures and applicable codes and regulations. In addition, establish proper controls, training, and protective measures to effectively control exposures and assure compliance. This program is neither a determination that the conditions and practices of your organization are safe, nor a warranty that reliance upon this program will prevent accidents and losses or satisfy local, state, or federal regulations. This presentation contains base material for use in an instructor-led training setting. You may modify this presentation to satisfy the specific training needs of your organization. On some slides, the display text is supplemented with additional material in the slide notes. This content is licensed for modification and use in a classroom setting. You may not redistribute this material in any form.

3. Course Outline • Learning Objectives • Introduction • Risks • Pre-Trip Preparation • Assessing Danger • Behavior Guidelines • Incident Response • Summary

4. Learning Objectives • Understand the inherent dangers of livery driving. • Know preventive measures for reducing risks. • Be aware of the warning signs in passengers. • Know how to interact with passengers. • Know how to respond to a robbery or an assault. • Understand the importance of communication with the dispatcher. This particular program is not designed for chauffeurs and drivers who provide high-security protection.

5. Introduction Employer responsibility: • Failure results in the following: • Fines • Lawsuits • Negative publicity • Loss of business • Loss of employees • Companies that only use contractors may be exempt from certain requirements. • All companies benefit from safe practices that reduce employee and contractor risk.

6. Risks Injury and fatality statistics for livery drivers: • One of the highest rates of nonfatal assaults • 183.8/1000 assaults in 2012 • 20 times more likely to be murdered • Decline in homicide rate from 1998 to present • 35 homicides in 2007

7. Risks Livery drivers are at risk because they: • Work alone. • Work long hours, often at night. • Work in isolated areas. • Typically have cash ready. • May be the focus of negative perceptions.

8. Pre-Trip Preparation Vehicle preparation: • Working radio • Emergency equipment • Roof-mounted emergency light • Dash cam • GPS • Shatter-proof partition • First-aid kit

9. Pre-Trip Preparation Required knowledge: • The city and area that you are operating within • The differences in locales • Established laws • How to use and locate distress signals • How to use the first-aid kit

10. Pre-Trip Preparation Personal preparation: • Always carry a spare key on your person. • Do not carry personal weapons. • Establish good relations with the local authorities. • Abide by all laws.

11. Assessing Danger Dangerous passengers: • Strangers are unpredictable and may be dangerous. • Potential problems include the following: • Language barriers • Racism • Preconceived ideas

12. Assessing Danger Vigilance: • Be constantly aware of your environment. • Be both vigilant and cautious. • Do not let your guard down. • Never underestimate any passenger.

13. Assessing Danger Warning signs: • Learn to watch the body language of passengers. • Trust your intuition. • Beware of passengers who give you vague instructions. • Be wary of a passenger seated directly behind you.

14. Behavior Guidelines General guidelines: • Always keep your doors locked. • Always keep your windows rolled up. • Keep partitions closed. • Never drive into alleys or back lanes. • Be extra careful late at night. • Check the inside of the vehicle after each passenger exits.

15. Behavior Guidelines Customer interaction: • Be polite, patient, and positive. • Greet and maintain eye contact with passengers. • Never tell customers you had a good shift. • Never take more than four passengers.

16. Behavior Guidelines Money-handling: • Never carry more than $20.00 in ready cash. • Encourage the use of credit or debit cards. • Do not change a large denomination bill with the money in the vehicle. • Do not display your money. • Do not wear expensive watches or jewelry.

17. Behavior Guidelines Communication with the dispatcher: • Remain in contact with the dispatcher. • Dispatchers will sense when you are in trouble and get assistance for you. • They can locate you. • Treat dispatchers with respect.

18. Incident Response Steps to take: • Stay calm and do not panic. • Do not resist a robbery. • If possible: • Initiate silent alarms. • Review your surroundings. • Look for an escape opportunity. • Memorize the suspect's description. Do not resist.

19. Incident Response Post-event: • Communicate with emergency services, the police, and your dispatcher. • Counseling and time off may be necessary.

20. Summary • Livery driving is high-risk. • Be aware of surroundings and know the service area. • Stay alert and on guard. • Learn how to read body language. • Take protective precautions. • Do not openly display money. • Avoid carrying large amounts in the vehicle. • Keep in constant contact with the dispatcher. • In a threatening situation, do not resist.