Control measures for workplace transport

The safe movement of vehicles in the workplace is essential if accidents are to be avoided. Consider three areas: the site, the vehicle and the driver.

Safe site

• plan the workplace so that pedestrians are safe from vehicles
• provide a one-way system if you can
• provide separate routes for pedestrians and vehicles where possible
• avoid reversing where possible
• provide suitable crossing points where pedestrians and traffic meet
• use signs to show vehicle routes, pedestrian crossings and so on
• make sure lighting is adequate where people and vehicles work
• make sure road surfaces are firm, non-slip and even
• put a spill control system in place so that roads are not slippery, including provision for rain water
• avoid gradients as far as possible and signpost any changes in level
• make sure there are safe areas for loading and unloading
• set a site speed limit and display speed limit signs
• keep good housekeeping and a tidy site
• try to provide separate car parking for visitors, since they may not know your site

Safe vehicle

• make sure vehicles suit the purpose for which they are used
• keep vehicles in good repair, particularly brakes, steering, tyres, lights, mirrors and specific safety systems
• remove the need for people to climb onto vehicles where possible, for example by providing gauges and controls reachable from ground level
• reduce the risk of falling when people must climb onto a vehicle or trailer, by providing well-built ladders, non-slip walkways and guard rails where possible
• provide reversing aids such as a reversing camera where appropriate
• fit rollover protective structures and use seat belts where fitted

Safe driver

• provide adequate training and refresher training for all drivers
• reassess drivers at regular intervals
• make sure all drivers are supervised, including those visiting the site
• assess fitness to drive for the role, including fatigue, relevant health conditions and medicines, with competent occupational-health advice where needed
• provide high-visibility clothing and suitable protective clothing, such as steel toe-capped boots and hard hats
• avoid or minimise reversing first. Where a competent signaller is needed, use agreed signals and a safe visible position outside crush zones, and stop if contact is lost
• set up a management system to check driver competence by verifying licences, carrying out periodic assessments, monitoring and keeping documented records

Summary notes for Element 8 · Cheat sheet · Glossary. A study aid, not published or endorsed by NEBOSH.