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Vehicle incidents are one of the leading causes of workplace deaths in the UK. While much attention is paid to managing vehicles in external road environments, the risks posed by vehicles on-site – including forklifts, delivery vehicles, and customer vehicles – are often underestimated.
The most common on-site vehicle risks
The most common on-site vehicle risks include:
- Pedestrian/vehicle conflicts: The greatest risk in most merchant environments is the interaction between vehicles and pedestrians. This includes customers, employees, and contractors.
- Reversing accidents: Reversing is particularly hazardous, as the driver's view is often limited. Many fatal workplace transport accidents occur during reversing manoeuvres.
- Forklift accidents: Forklifts are a significant source of risk in merchant environments, including the risk of being struck by the vehicle or the load being carried.
- Delivery vehicle incidents: The loading and unloading of delivery vehicles presents a range of risks, including falls from vehicles and crush injuries.
Getting the basics right
To manage on-site vehicle risks effectively, merchants should ensure they have the following basics in place:
- Traffic management plan: A documented traffic management plan that sets out the routes for vehicles and pedestrians, speed limits, and one-way systems.
- Physical segregation: Physical barriers, marked walkways, and clearly defined traffic routes to separate vehicles and pedestrians.
- Driver induction and training: All drivers – including delivery drivers and customers – should receive an induction that sets out the site rules and the risks they need to be aware of.
- Risk assessments: Task-specific risk assessments for all on-site vehicle activities, including loading and unloading, forklift operations, and delivery vehicle management.
- Vehicle maintenance: Regular checks and maintenance of all vehicles operating on-site, including forklifts and other mobile plant.
- Site layout review: Regular reviews of your site layout to identify and address any vehicle-related hazards.
Our driver safety services
Our team of health and safety consultants can provide a range of services to help you manage on-site vehicle risks, including traffic management plan reviews, risk assessment support, and driver training. Get in touch today to find out more.
Last updated
March 26, 2024
Opus Safety
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