Becoming widespread bicycles and above all, electric scooter It also has negative consequences on city streets. Although its use contributes reduce traffic congestion And reduce pollution levelsLack of skill, confusion or greater availability of such tools in circulation has also led to a problem. increase in accidents a situation in which they are involved and which has consequences in the business world.
In this way, they were counted in the Valencian Community just last year up to 557 work accidents with sick leave When users travel by bike or scooter, this means:It increased by 58.7% compared to the previous year. Additionally, when compared to 2016 figures, the increase is 368.1 percent. That is almost five times more.
This is revealed by a study carried out by the partner company’s Occupational Risk Preventive Activities Service. Umivale Activa With data from AMAT (Association of Work Accident Insurance Companies) on the occasion of European Mobility Week.
The increase in scooter and bicycle accidents at work in the Valencian Community is significantly higher than those recorded nationally. According to the same research, all over spain Number of people who had to ask for leave after an accident with one of these micromobility vehicles 4,735, 52.9% more (almost six points less than autonomy). Likewise, the increase since 2016 has been 208.1 percent. In other words, a trio.
on travel
Data shows the greatest danger is occurring on the way to or from work. Therefore, 88.6% of workplace traffic accidents with these vehicles in Spain occur while commuting to work, while the proportion of accidents that occur during the working day is 11.4%. The figures are very similar to those in the Valencian Community, with 89.44% compared to 10.56% of accidents during the day.
Service industry food and drink Together they account for 19.7% of traffic accidents involving bicycles and scooters in the Valencian Community, and if we talk about professions, Salaried waiters and cleaning staff Offices, hotels and similar establishments account for 20.2% of the accident rate.
These are by gender men In Spain, the majority of bicycle and scooter accidents occur in women, 63.7% compared to 36.3%.
“These figures confirm the increasing weight of such vehicles in the overall workplace accident rate. If the use of bicycles and scooters becomes increasingly common, We must ensure that safe use is encouraged. and raise awareness of the need to work towards prevention, both among users and companies and managements”, he emphasizes José Luis CebrianSenior technician in Occupational Risk Prevention at Umivale Activa.
Precautionary measures
Cebrián reminds users of these tools of some things basic tipslike check tire condition And brakes Before going out helmet approved transport reflective clothing If you drive on intercity roads and follow the lighting while driving at night, the expert says “seeing is as important as seeing.”
Also remember this The use of headphones is prohibited mobile phone use as well as connecting to receivers or players. This also affects the prohibition of using scooters at intersections, intercity roads, highways and expressways, as well as in urban tunnels, pavements or pedestrian areas, and never at a speed exceeding 25 kilometers per hour.
Umivale points out that companies need to periodically train and inform workers about the risks present in workplaces and especially about road safety and accident prevention when using such vehicles.
It is also recommended to offer accommodating and flexible work schedules, provide parking spaces and integrate road safety into the company’s occupational risk prevention management.