As such, if the truck driver is expected to operate a PIT at a shipper or consignee s facility, the motor carrier needs to know the type of PIT the truck driver may operate, as well as any special conditions that may exist at any given its facility that may warrant additional site-specific training. As mentioned, the motor carrier has the responsibility to train its driver to operate a PIT while the shipper or consignee is responsible for safeguarding its employees by making sure that the motor carrier s driver is PIT trained. As unfeasible as this may sound, there may be no choice but for the shipper or consignee to provide whatever site-specific training and evaluation is required to the motor carrier s driver. That responsibility should be spelled out and agreed to by contract. There is no doubt that workplace safety is of paramount concern to the trucking industry.
Accidents involving PIT operations can have devastating consequences.
That s probably the main reason why the vast majority of trucking companies invest an enormous amount of resources in PIT training and loading and unloading operations and policies. As Toby Ross, safety manager for ABF Freight System puts it, Employee training is the key element to our successful safety program. Toby should know, since ABF has been the recipient of many safety awards, including the ATA Safety Management Council s prestigious President s Award. There is also no doubt that OSHA s new training standard provides some complex issues that are difficult to address. However, it is crucial that these issues be addressed in a way that not only reduces the potential for serious injury but legal liability as well.