Introduction to Workplace Transport
Vehicles at work continue to be a major cause of fatal and major injuries. Based on HSE (GB) statistics every year there are over 5,000 incidents involving transport in the workplace. About 50 of these result in people being killed. Estimates suggest that up to one-third of all road traffic accidents involve someone who is at work at the time.
What to do first?
To manage the risks from workplace transport effectively, you need to consider three key areas:
- Safe site
- Safe vehicle
- Safe driver
Look at the relevant sections of the Workplace Transport topic area for more information. HSE (GB) has also produced publications to help you decide what you need to do and yoiu can download them below:
- Workplace transport safety - An brief guide - INDG199 (rev 1) - www.hse.gov.uk
- Workplace transport safety - An employer's guide - HSG136 - www.hse.gov.uk
Some Dos and Don'ts
Do
- Keep people and vehicles apart
- Have clear site rules and enforce them
- Anchor loads securely to the vehicle chassis
- Avoid the need to work at height on vehicles
Don't
Operate vehicles unless you are authorised to do so
Employers have a duty under health and safety law to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees.
Key Legislation
- The Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Management of Health and Safety at Work (NI) Regulations 2000 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (NI) 1999 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations (NI) 1993 legislation.gov.uk)
- The Construction, Design and Management Regulations (NI) 2016 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations (NI) 1999 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations (NI) 1996 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) (NI) 1997 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (NI) 1999 (legislation.gov.uk)