Work Place Transport

Every year about 70 people are killed in transport related accidents in workplaces.

Most transport related accidents involve people being hit or run over by moving vehicles, people falling from vehicles, those being struck by objects falling from the vehicles (usually part of the load) or being injured as a result of vehicles overturning.

Cars and other vehicles are extremely common both on public roads and at workplaces. Consequently employers and employees often do not recognise - until a serious accident actually happens - that vehicle activities can be very dangerous and need to be properly managed and included in your risk assessments.

If you have vehicles entering or operating on your premises, even in the car park, you need to consider if the arrangements in place are satisfactory.

Check the layout of routes - Are vehicles and pedestrians kept safely apart.
Are traffic routes suitable - Wide enough, with firm even surfaces, good visibility, free from obstructions.
Minimise reversing
Consider arrangements for loading and unloading

If you operate fork lifts or lorries:

are they provided with horns, lights and seat belts
are the drivers trained and following safe systems of work

Further reading:
'Managing Vehicle Safety at the Workplace', Leaflet for employers. Available free from Surrey Heath Borough Council, Environmental Health or www.hse.gov.uk

'Workplace Transport Safety', HS(G)136, ISBN 07176 0935-9. Available from bookshops.