Between the lines
According to HSE statistics, 70 people are killed and over 1,000 injured each year by workplace traffic accidents. How can you ensure that all staff and visitors adopt a safe position when vehicles are operating?
Understanding the risks
According to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), workplace transport is the second biggest cause of fatal accidents in the workplace. HSE statistics show that each year about 70 people are killed and 1,000 seriously injured as a result of workplace traffic accidents. If an accident occurs, you are likely to be held responsible for not managing the issues. So what are effective control measures?
What are the legal requirements?
Regulation 17 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 details the requirements that new and existing workplaces should have in place. The guidance for the implementation of the Regulations gives measures that should be adopted to ensure legal compliance and that a safe system is in operation. The following three areas outline ways in which this can be achieved:
1. Physical separation
Ideally, there should be a physical barrier to prevent contact being made between staff and mechanised equipment. As this is not always possible due to space constraints and operational requirements, an alternative is to create areas where people can work without fear of contact. These areas should be marked using a mixture of signs and floor markings, in a way that is clear for all.
2. Identify the lines
The most important factor when marking out areas is to ensure the warning is clear to everyone. To give a consistent message, use the same colours for your lines as used in safety signs. The colours are defined in the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, i.e. red indicates prohibition, yellow warning and green safety.
Tip 1. In addition to the lines, consider a one-way system which is also clearly identified with signs and lines.
Tip 2. When marking areas, ensure they’re suitable for the vehicles being expected to move within them. The areas for footpaths and safety zones should be large enough for more than one person to cross without entering a vehicle area.
3. Training
Once the system is in place, it will only work if everyone is aware of the safe working practices, e.g. what the colours indicate and what they should do to comply. Non-machine drivers should take priority for training, as they may not be as aware of the associated risks and what affect their actions can have.
Tip. Focus training on the impact the actions of a pedestrian can have, including the hazards associated with distracting a driver in the middle of an operation or approaching the vehicle from behind.
Keep it clear
Once a walkway or “Keep clear” area is identified, it’s vital that this is maintained and managed. This will achieve not only legal compliance, but will enable your processes to operate effectively and safely.
For a free sample risk assessment, visit http://healthandsafety.indicator.co.uk (HS 04.02.03).
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