Transport: Third time lucky for HSE workplace transport plans?

The failure of two major HSE campaigns to reduce the number of workplace transport injuries has prompted the HSE to issue a discussion document on future initiatives.1

Despite campaigns in 1995 and 1999-2001 (HSB 269), around 100 people are killed and 2,500 are seriously injured each year in workplace transport accidents (see table). In 2000/01, for example, 99 of the 736 work-related deaths reported involved workplace transport. The high proportion is, in part, due to the fact that the machinery is generally large and heavy with sharp or rigid edges and that people are more likely to be killed in accidents involving vehicles.

The problem of workplace transport-related injuries is one of eight priority programmes within the HSE's strategic plan (see HSC strategic plan 2001/04). The HSE believes that a major reduction in such injuries would be an important step to achieving the targets for reducing work-related injuries set out in the Revitalising health and safety initiative (see Employers face major health and safety at work shake-up).

The HSE's inspection plans

Over the next three years, the HSE's Field Operations Directorate will devote a significant proportion of its planned inspection time to workplace transport. Inspectors will look at how the person in control manages the risks from transport in and around the premises. Targets for action are:

  • segregating pedestrians from vehicles - either by barriers or distance - the best control measure in most circumstances;

  • minimising and controlling reversing - in particular, the provision of one-way systems and CCTV (there is growing evidence of significant cost savings as well as risk reduction); and

  • putting in place management systems to provide adequate supervision of driving behaviour, such as ensuring seat belts are used where rollover protection systems are required, and ensuring observance of speed limits.

    The issues

    The HSE has set out its views and ideas on which it wants comments.

  • It believes that risk management is the key to all safety measures and is looking at the need for a specific requirement to carry out a risk assessment of workplace transport use and movements. It is also considering an advice centre on workplace transport management issues.

  • The HSE believes that better-designed workplaces would improve the control of risk and that it is cost effective to allocate more space to vehicle movements. This enhances visibility and leaves room for "pedestrian-only" and "vehicle-only" routes. It is seeking comments, ideas and experiences on site transportation planning.

  • Some accidents occur because of poor ground conditions, ground contamination from spillages, and obstruction of traffic routes by carelessly placed objects. The HSE is seeking views on the need for improved training and guidance to recognise when poor housekeeping becomes a hazard and on the need for better management.

  • Another option is more formal training and refresher training. The HSE could look at specific legislation covering this area, including being more selective about who can be a driver. It is also asking whether driver fatigue is a significant problem and whether there is a need to limit driving hours.

  • Some current vehicle designs lead to difficulties with stability, load stability, visibility, muscle strain and confusion about control positioning. The HSE is seeking opinions on the most cost-effective design improvements, such as a standard layout for the controls of work vehicles.

  • Good vehicle maintenance management is important in the prevention of workplace transport accidents, and the HSE is considering whether it needs to be more prescriptive about maintenance intervals.

  • The HSE knows that seven in 10 people injured in transport-related accidents at work are on foot. Until now, it has concentrated on developing safe working in terms of the driver and vehicle; it is now looking at training pedestrians in the hazards of working near vehicles.

    What next?

    Preventing transport accidents at work depends on being sure that every driver is a safe driver in a safe vehicle on a safe site. Current health and safety law covers these areas, and the HSE is now asking whether more legislation is needed or whether there is already too much.

    Preventing injury to people and damage to vehicles, stock and buildings saves money for everyone in the long run. The HSE is commissioning research into the economic costs of workplace transport-related incidents. The HSE is also liaising with the Road Haulage Industry, developing guidance on the use of CCTV on road-going vehicles, safer design of bus stations, reducing the risks of falls from vehicles, and collecting information on the costs of workplace accidents.

    1Preventing workplace transport accidents", DDE 18, HSE Books, free or www.hse.gov.uk/disdocs/. Comments should reach Tricia Anderson by 10 May at: HSE, Rose Court, 2 Southwark Bridge, London SE1 9HS, tel: 020 7717 6366, email: workplace.transport@hse.gsi.gov.uk .


    Injuries involving workplace transport 2000/01 (provisional)

    Over-3-day

    Major

    Fatal

    Struck by moving vehicle

    3472

    1159

    69

    Collapse/overturn of vehicle

    171

    85

    19

    Falls from vehicle

    1428

    994

    4

    Materials falling from vehicle

    786

    252

    7

    Total

    5857

    2490

    99

    Source: HSE.