Workplace Transport – New Guidance from the HSE
Vehicles at work continue to be a major cause of fatal and major injuries. According to the HSE there are over 5000 incidents each year involving transport in the workplace. Approximately 50 of these incidents result in people being killed. It is estimated that up to one-third of all road traffic accidents involve someone who is at work at the time1.
The HSE have published a new guidance document, HSG136, which has been updated to take account of new advice on workplace transport safety and also to reflect changes to relevant legislation and associated guidance. HSG136 provides specific guidance on controlling risks associated with workplace transport including safe sites, safe vehicles and safe drivers.
To download a copy of HSG136, please click here.
Don’t have vehicles on site? Vehicles moving on public roads are not usually classed as ‘workplace transport’. However, public roads are often used as temporary workplaces, for example during roadside deliveries, road works or breakdown assistance, so health and safety law applies.
Vehicular traffic poses inherent risks to both motorists and pedestrians, particularly where both circulate in close proximity. Some areas, such as service yards or loading bays also present greater risks due to the presence of reversing lorries or the use of fork lift trucks. It is essential, therefore, to ensure that wherever vehicles and/or pedestrians circulate that appropriate controls are in place to prevent vehicles losing control or colliding with other vehicles or pedestrians.
If you think you might benefit from a traffic management audit undertaken by an experienced S2 consultant, please get in touch. An S2 traffic management audit establishes all vehicular and shared vehicular/pedestrian circulation routes; average traffic flow rates and/or periods of particularly high traffic flow; all potential high-risk areas or issues; and appropriate management controls and recommendations to protect the safety of all parties and ensure legal compliance.
1 – Source: HSE.gov.uk