Work Related Transport – HSE’s role and priorities

John Blackburn, HM Principal Inspector, Edinburgh

Summary

I am going to be talking about HSE’s policies and priorities regarding work related transport.  The size of the problem, the main issues and our “transport campaign”.  I will also be talking about the role of HSE relating to transport on the public roads.

Overview

In the last 5 years over 70 people have been killed and some 2000 injured in transport related accidents in the workplace.  All industry sectors are affected.  Workplace transport is the second largest cause of fatal accidents at work, after falls from height.

It is for that reason the workplace transport is one of HSE’s Field Operations Directorate’s (FOD) eight priority topics, as our contribution to achieving the Revitalising targets.

It is a cross sector programme where inspectors are required to consider the management of the risk of work related transport at all inspection visits and take a robust enforcement line.

We are looking at all types of vehicles such forklift trucks, lorries and vans, dumpers, tractors and private cars on sites.  We are considering the main causative factors.  Though analysis of contributory factors to accidents indicates that driver and pedestrian error are to blame in the majority of cases,  in practice the causes are often complex and are a combination of human factors, poor management and inadequate risk assessment.

Types of hazard

There are four main risks that we are focusing on 1) being struck by vehicle, particularly when reversing, 2) falling from the vehicle, 3) vehicle overturning, and 4) hazards from the load such as collapse or load shedding.

While driver error is the immediate cause of most accidents the underlying causes are: poor traffic control;unsafe systems of work and poor training, supervision and monitoring.

It is our view that these risks can be reduced by carrying out suitable risk assessments, and by then systematically applying the results.  Risk assessments should be site based and kept up to date through monitoring and review.

When considering the risks, the hazards to drivers, pedestrians, contractors and visitors, including members of the public, should be considered.

For all these we are considering three essential elements – safe site,, safe vehicle and safe driver.

Safe site:

Consider your own site and sites visited.  Review the layout to minimise vehicle movement, particularly reversing.  Separate vehicles and pedestrians by time, barriers or distance.  Consider surfaces and conditions.  Consider site traffic rules such as routes, speeds and priorities and how they are communicated. 

Pay particular attention to reversing.  Avoid it where possible.  Prevent pedestrian access where reversing taking place and consider driver visibility.

Safe vehicle:

Select the correct vehicle. For example a conventional forklift is unsuitable on rough ground.  If overturn is foreseeable then fit ROPS and seat belts and implement a system to make sure they are used properly.  Consider whether reversing aids are needed such as Fresnel lenses or CCTV and set up a system for checking and maintenance.  IF operator shave to work from the vehicle at height consider safe method of work – sheeting bays, fall protection.

Safe driver: 

Only competent and authorised drivers should drive vehicles.  Forklift drivers should be trained in accordance with the ACOP.  Similar standard of training is required for other drivers. 

Systems should be in place for active monitoring of driving standards and behaviour.  This could include management monitoring, speed checks and vehicle or plant damage (near miss) investigations.

HSE and work related road safety

The Department of Transport and HSE have published guidance on managing work related road safety following the work of the task group on the subject.

About a third of the 3000 or so deaths on the road each year are work related.  In addition to existing road traffic law it is clear that the Health and Safety at Work Act and particularly the Management Regulations apply during work related travel on the road. 

It is HSE policy that where there is specific legislation enforced by another body covering a risk then HSE will not seek to enforce the Health and Safety at Work Act.  However, where evidence is drawn to our attention of management failings leading to risks not being properly controlled during work related road travel, then HSE may become involved.  For example, where the police investigated a fatal accident where the method of loading of a lorry was the involved, then HSE investigated and reported the matter to the Procurator Fiscal.

We expect employers of persons who regularly drive on the public road to carry out a risk assessment, identify reasonably practicable precautions and apply them. 

Safe vehicle on the road 

HSE may be involved in management in investigating management arrangements for vehicle maintenance, particularly for fleets of vehicles.  We would also be interested in methods of safe loading for security of the load, particularly where a third party is involved.

Where employees use their own vehicles, employers should consider arrangements for checking the vehicles are properly insured and have a valid MOT certificate.

Safe driver   

Where an employer has staff that do a lot of driving then HSE would consider that an suitable risk assessment would point to the need to consider driver competence and possible driver assessment and defensive driver training.  The health of drivers might need to be considered as well as scheduling arrangements and rest breaks.  Employers should also consider emergency arrangements and lone worker policies for vulnerable staff. 

Safe site

HSE involvement in this aspect is not likely to be great as there is specific legislation concerning road layout and maintenance.  However, HSE may be involved with private roads where work related transport takes place such as estate and farm roads and quarry haul roads.

References

INDG 382 – Driving at Work

HSG 136 – Workplace transport safety

HSG 148 – Sheeting and unsheeting tipper lorries

HSC/DTLR Report Reducing at Work Road Traffic Accidents

HSG 6 – Safety in working with lift trucks

There are more documents referenced within these publications.  See the HSE website www.hse.gov.uk and www.hsebooks.co.uk