Every year, thousands of workplace accidents involve transportation, with a tragic outcome of about 50 fatalities (source: Health and Safety Executive).
The majority of these incidents are caused by individuals falling from vehicles or being struck by them. To mitigate these risks, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has created comprehensive guidance aimed at helping managers and employees enhance safety in workplace transport.
What is Workplace Transport?
Workplace transport encompasses any activity involving vehicles within a workplace, excluding vehicles on public roads unless they are being loaded or unloaded near a workplace.
Managing Workplace Transport Safety
To effectively manage workplace transport safety, consider three key areas during your risk assessment:
Safe Site - Design: A well-designed site with proper segregation of vehicles and pedestrians is essential. Providing separate traffic routes for pedestrians and vehicles, along with one-way systems where feasible, reduces the need for vehicle reversing and enhances safety.
Safe Site - Activity: Reversing poses a significant risk. Minimise reversing by using one-way systems, clear markings, and designated reversing areas. Employ portable radios for communication and enhance visibility with equipment like reversing alarms and beacons.
Safe Vehicle: Ensure vehicles are suitable for their intended purpose and meet the required safety standards. Warning devices, such as beacons and alarms, enhance visibility. Regular maintenance is vital, including daily safety checks by drivers and thorough examinations by competent persons.
Safe Driver: Drivers should be competent, receive proper training, and be closely monitored, particularly after training. Fitness to operate a vehicle should be assessed on an individual basis, considering their health and abilities.
Additional Considerations
Consultation with Employees: Employers must consult with employees on health and safety matters. This involves providing information, listening to employees' concerns, and taking their input into account before making decisions.
Shared Premises: When multiple employers share a workplace, they must collaborate and communicate effectively to ensure safety measures are coordinated, and all parties understand their responsibilities.
The Public: Public access to workplaces with vehicle operations should be limited wherever possible. Traffic management measures can help control pedestrian access and separate them from vehicles.
Contractors: Employers using contractors should assess their skills, provide relevant information, collaborate on risk assessment, monitor their work, and ensure safety protocols are followed.
Conclusion
Safety in workplace transport is a shared responsibility, requiring effective planning, communication, and continuous monitoring. By following these guidelines, employers and employees can work together to reduce accidents and create a safer working environment for everyone involved.
Remember, prioritising safety saves lives and resources, making it a worthwhile investment for any organisation.
Contains public sector information published by the Health and Safety Executive and licensed under the Open Government Licence’.
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