What's good for government workers is good for people in the private sector, too, institute tells OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration).

A 1986 rule requires federal employees to use seat belts while driving on the job. Now the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety petitioned the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) to apply the rule to workers in the private sector. OSHA proposed a similar rule in 1990 but never finalized it. OSHA rejected the latest request, saying it would instead institute educational efforts. The Institute argues that education doesn't work, citing numerous studies that show lower belt use for drivers and front seat passengers of commercial vehicles. More than 1,300 people died in traffic crashes while on the job in 2000, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety reports that no seat belts were used in at least two-thirds of these fatal crashes. A recent study showed that commercial vehicles had significantly lower rates of observed seat belt use, 56% and 42% for drivers and passengers versus 72% and 69% respectively for those riding in private non-commercial vehicles. Some employers have independently been able to achieve as high as 85% use. (Author/publisher)