Safety

New Web-based Driver Observation Training Course for Postmasters, Managers, and Supervisors

This course is free through June 30, 2008. On July 1, 2008, and after, the enrollment fee will be $15.00. Sign up now and save $15.00!

Delivery Operations and Safety and Environmental Per­formance Management are pleased to announce the avail­ability of a new 2-hour, Web-based driver observation training course through the Postal Service™ Auto­mated Enrollment System (AES). The course, Driver Obser­vation Training for Delivery Services (DOT-DS) # 43601-17, was developed through the combined efforts of Delivery Operations, Safety and Environmental Performance Management, Employee Development, and the National Center for Employee Development — Multimedia Resources and Publications.

Enrollment and Fees

Students must enroll through the AES. See “Who can enroll me” on the AES home page at http://aes.usps.gov. There is no charge for DOT-DS enrollment before July 1, 2008. On that date and after, the charge will be $15 per student.

Driver Observations: A Valuable Business Tool

The performance of frequent and high-quality driver observations is one of our most valuable business tools for reducing motor vehicle accidents, injuries, and associated costs.

Course Objectives

The DOT-DS course is designed to provide or enhance the skills of individuals who perform employee driver observations. The course also:

• Promotes standardization of driver observations.
• Encourages maximum use of the driver-observation business tool.
• Aligns with the Postal Service Strategic Transformation Plan 2006–2010.
• Coordinates with the Safety and Health Program Evaluation Guide (PEG).

Target Learners

The course is designed for the following target learners:

• Primary
• Postmasters responsible for delivery services.
• Managers, Customer Service.
• Supervisors, Customer Service.
• Secondary
• Managers, Post Office Operations.
• Managers, Customer Service Operations.
• Managers, Safety (area and district).
• Safety specialists (district).
• Driving safety instructors.
• Others who occasionally perform driver observations.

Course Description

The course consists of seven modules with introductory and review materials. The following topics are included:

• What you need to know about safe driving policies.
• How to prepare for a driver observation.
• How to perform a driver observation.
• How to talk with drivers after a driver observation.
• How to document the observation using PS Form 4584, Observation of Driving Practices.

The course is computer based. Average completion time during testing was less than 2 hours. The course is designed to be completed in one sitting. Although it may be completed in several sittings, a single sitting provides the optimum learning environment.

Field-Developed DOT Courses

In order to promote standardized training on how driver observations are performed and documented, all field-developed and field-delivered DOT courses are obsolete.

Further Information

Detailed information about DOT-DS is available on the Postal Service Intranet, as follows:

• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.
• Under “Essential Links” in the left-hand column, click on Safety and Environmental Resources.
• Under “Safety Resources” in the left-hand column, click on Safety Training.
• Click on Announcement: Driver Observation Training — Delivery Services Course # 43601-17.

Handbook EL-804, Safe Driver Program, provides Postal Service policies and guidance on how to perform driver observations. The handbook is available on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site:

• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.
• Under “Essential Links” in the left-hand column, click on References.
• On the PolicyNet page, click on HBKs.

(The direct URL for the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site is http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.)

— Safety and Environmental Performance Management, Employee Resource Management, 2-14-08