Page 19 - BOSS Today Issue 52

DOWN TO BUSINESS BOSS Today #52

Being struck by a moving n Barriers: consider installing a physical
vehicle accounts for 19% barrier between roadways and
walkways. If you do, inspect these
of all fatalities – an average barriers regularly: damage is usually
of 27 fatal injuries per year. an indication of poor FLT driving.
n One-way systems: wherever possible,
make the flow of traffic one-way, as
20% of deaths from being this can reduce risks, especially in
struck by a moving storage areas.
vehicle occurred in the n Reversing: avoid the need for vehicles
to reverse wherever possible. Consider
transportation and storage installing a turning circle to allow
sector – an average of vehicles to turn instead of reversing.
five per year. Where reversing is required, introduce
Banksman to guide the driver to the
parking location.
and pedestrians can move around safely.
Workplace traffic routes should be If vehicles need to reverse in areas where
suitable for the people and vehicles pedestrians cannot be excluded, the risk
using them, be in suitable positions and is elevated and visibility is critical.
sufficient in both number and size.
Where vehicles and pedestrians share Consider:
a traffic route, there must be enough
separation between them, since most n Installing aids for drivers, including
vehicle incidents result from poor mirrors, CCTV or reversing alarms.
separation of pedestrians from vehicles. n Providing signallers who can be
The HSE stresses that such accidents appointed to control manoeuvres and
can and should be prevented by effective are trained in the task.
segregation, so carefully plan the route n Installing adequate lighting, so that
that vehicles and pedestrians should drivers and pedestrians on shared
take. The following will help to keep them routes can see each other more easily.
apart: Lighting may especially be needed
re your employees safe when moving after sunset or in bad weather.
Aaround the site, or do your internal or n Entrances and exits: have separate n Ensuring that pedestrians on site wear
external walkways direct them towards entry and exit gateways for high-visibility clothing, especially if
danger? Every year, there are over 5,000 pedestrians and vehicles. they are required to enter areas where
accidents involving transport within the n Walkways: where possible, make sure vehicles operate.
workplace, with the main causes of injury that walkways take a direct route. n Ensuring that: pre-shift safety
being employees who are crushed or Regular management site inspections inspections are completed by fork-lift,
struck. will be required to ensure that reach and clamp truck drivers; horns
The first step to minimising vehicle walkways remain clear at ALL times. are used when appropriate; forks
risk in your workplace is to conduct a n Signs and instructions: make sure are NOT too high or too low when
risk assessment to identify what could that all drivers and pedestrians know travelling; the operator is looking in
go wrong and then to implement suitable and understand the routes and traffic the direction of travel; and that drivers
control measures. Think about how rules on site. Use standard road signs obey the speed limit at ALL times.
people could come into contact with a where appropriate. Speeds should not exceed 5MPH.
moving vehicle and the tasks that might n Crossings: where walkways cross
bring employees into contact with them. roadways, provide a clearly-signed, If you require more information
well-lit crossing point where regarding workplace vehicle segregation
Employers’ Duties pedestrians and drivers can clearly see or assistance with a workplace transport
All employers have a legal duty to make each other. risk assessment, contact your BOSS
sure that their activities do not pose a n Obstructions: do not block walkways H&S Adviser. Details can be found at
risk to the health and safety of employees in any way that forces pedestrians BOSS | Contact Us | Health & Safety
and others. In managing transport within to have to step onto vehicle routes. (bossfederation.com)
your workplace, the law states that you Remove any objects that might create
must organise your site so that vehicles blind-spots.

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