logo
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Testimonials
    • Contact
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Testimonials
    • Contact
far too many people use ….
News
October 31, 2021
far too many people use ….

far too many people use them while driving. Employees use cell phones as a GPS system to find new customers or to follow their pool route. Texting and making phone calls while driving is common due to the employee trying to multi-task between customers on their pool route. Some pool technicians like to listen in to their favorite podcasts while driving. Cell phone use becomes a definite distraction that could vastly increase the chances of a motor vehicle accident. Pool techs should set their GPS before driving or pull over to use them. Unless using a hands-free device or system, they should not receive phone while driving. If the pool tech needs to take a call or other action on the device, they should pull their vehicle over to safe location and put it in park. The use of cell phone blocking apps & devices can help with the urge to pick up their phone while driving, as it keeps phone notifications inactive until the vehicle comes to a full stop.

Employees under the influence of drugs and alcohol should not be in the seat of their pool truck or vehicle. Obviously, their impairment will greatly increase chances of motor vehicle accidents.

A few years ago, a pool technician who was employed by a franchised pool service company located in Tampa, Florida, was involved in a fatal motor vehicle accident with a jogger on the road. In this case, the pool worker was found to be well over the legal limit for intoxication and that he had been impaired by alcohol and use of illegal drugs.

Employers need to be observant of their employees as they start their work shift and when the employee returns. Employers should train themselves on the signs that they may have an impaired worker who should be sent home. Of course, in some instances more drastic measures should be taken, such as dismissal of the employee.

Another circumstance that can add to the risks while on the road is road rage and aggressive driving. Every day, drivers have to address aggressive driving situations. Employers should provide training for their employees about defensive driving skills and conduct annual reviews with their staff. The training should also include the employer discussing risks on the road and encourage employees to adopt safe driving habits.

Employees should recognize when they are drowsy and remove themselves from the driver’s seat. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports more than 1/3 of US adults sleep less than seven hours. More than 5,000 people died in driving-related crashes in 2015 due to drivers falling asleep at the wheel. If the employee is tired, they should address it in one of the following methods: pull over, take a 20-minute nap, drink a caffeinated beverage, or schedule travel breaks.

Additionally, pool vehicles should be parked in proper areas that are safe. Traffic should be able to pass your vehicle on narrow side streets.

The pool tech could use cones to indicate that their vehicle is going to be parked for a time period. This gives the pool tech visible clearance.

Pool techs should perform safety inspections of their vehicles regularly. Some conditions that can become safety hazards while driving are the following: poor tire condition; vehicle lights not working; dash-board warning lights; inoperable vehicle horn; dirty windows and mirrors; and faulty windshield wipers.

Pool tech vehicles carry many chemicals that can become a hazard if the vehicle is involved in an accident. Pool techs should monitor and secure their load in their trucks or trailer. Pool techs should look for chemical leaks and clean up even the smallest spills immediately.

A good rule of thumb is to remove all containers and equipment from the vehicle or trailer and thoroughly hose it out at least once per week.

Employers should provide some level of initial training for new staff and annual training for current staff about driver and motor vehicle safety. Training on work place safety hazards is one of the best ways an employee and employer can help maintain a safe work place. The pool industry includes many work places, and the vehicle must be thought of as one of them.

Pool vehicle with portable pool vacuum involved in motor vehicle accident.

Damage to portable pool vacuum cart.Image credit: Lauren Broom.

LATEST NEWS
Body found in backyard swimming pool
News
Body found in backyard swimming pool
A Suffolk County, NY police detective discovered a body in his swimming pool
June 14, 2025
A Long Island, New York, homeowner and his son discovered a body this May while opening their backyard swimming pool for the season. The body is belie...
this is a test
News
Need to raise prices? Read how to do it
June 14, 2025
This years’ Service Industry News survey revealed an interesting trend: Pool and spa small business owners have raised their average monthly prices. A...
this is a test
Florida pool builder sentenced to 20 years
News
Florida pool builder sentenced to 20 years
June 14, 2025
A Florida pool and spa builder has been sentenced to prison for defrauding customers. According to a press release from the Florida Attorney General’s...
this is a test
Las Vegas hotels discover Legionella in water
News
Las Vegas hotels discover Legionella in water
June 14, 2025
For many American families, the summer months signal a time for vacation. That’s why health departments are sounding the alarm about a hidden health t...
this is a test
News
Todrain,ornottodrain, that is the question
June 14, 2025
The state of Montana has enacted a new regulatory change concerning hot tub maintenance for short-term rentals that is expected to save the state mill...
this is a test
Minnesota struggles with backyard spas:  Public or private?
News
Minnesota struggles with backyard spas: Public or private?
June 14, 2025
When are residential pools, spas, or hot tubs actually public pools, spas, or hot tubs? It sounds like a riddle, but it’s a real question up for debat...
this is a test
Read Our Newsletter
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Free Subscription
View Current Print Ads
Educational Announcements
Aquatic Training Institute

Educational Leverage

Foundation For Pool Industry Education

Locey Pool

Pool Chemistry Training Institute

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

Portofino University

Underwater Pool Masters
Trade Show Dates
  • The International Pool Spa Patio Expo
    Nov. 12-14, Dallas, Texas
  • The Pool and Spa Show
    Jan. 28-30, Atlantic City, New Jersey
  • 35th Annual National Plasterers Conference
    Feb. 26-28, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
  • The Southwest Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 4-8, Houston, Texas
  • The Western Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 6-8, Long Beach, California
Books to Order
About Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy
We use cookies to ensure that our website gives you the best experience possible. By continuing to use this website, you agree to this use of cookies.OK