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