WYDOT, DWS collaborating to provide travel information for workers

WYDOT and the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) are collaborating to make it easier for workers to stay abreast of travel conditions.

Employers now have the opportunity to display customized road and weather information on large television monitors or other devices placed prominently at work sites to provide employees with regularly updated road condition reports to help them make informed travel decisions

WYDOT will provide road and weather reports tailored to workplace locations, and DWS will assist employers who need to acquire and install display equipment.

The travel information displays are similar to installations already in service at the University of Wyoming Arena Auditorium in Laramie and at the Casper Events Center.

“Wyoming experiences a high rate of workplace deaths and injuries on the road, and weather often factors in to these incidents, DWS Director Joan Evans said. “This is a promising tool that gives workers a better opportunity to plan ahead and be prepared.”

"Making real-time travel information more accessible will have definite benefits. WYDOT is pleased to partner with Workforce Services in this effort to facilitate information flow and boost safety." WYDOT Director John Cox added.

Employers from both private and public sectors who pay into the Wyoming Workers Compensation account are eligible for assistance from DWS via its Safety Improvement Fund. The primary requirement for interested employers is submitting an application to explain how the travel condition display will contribute to their employees' safety. The application can be filled out conveniently online.

“This simple and proactive approach to safety on our roadways will serve many employers and workers well,” said Dave Schofield, chairman of the Wyoming Transportation Safety Coalition. “I encourage Wyoming’s employers, our partners in safety, to consider this tool to better inform workers about hazardous driving conditions.”

Additional information about the travel safety partnership is available on the Wyoming 511 Travel Information website, via email or by calling (307) 777-4437.