A guide to workplace transport safety – how to keep your drivers safe

You might not know this, but a whopping 5,000-plus incidents involving workplace transport are reported each year. Makes you think twice about safety, right? Ensuring top-notch workplace transport safety is like keeping the gears of your business well-oiled – it’s vital.

Being a boss means caring for your team, and when it comes to the vehicles they use for work, your responsibility increases tenfold.

Sounds serious? That’s because it is.

But don’t stress – we’re here to help you master the art of workplace transport safety. We’ve put together this blog as a guide to workplace transport safety to help you navigate regulations, risk assessments, and everything in between. It’s a GPS for safe driving on the job, so to speak.

This guide is packed with info:

• Defining workplace transport: Are we talking forklifts in your warehouse or delivery vans on the road?
• Getting cosy with the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
• Finding your way with a workplace transport risk assessment – your compass to safety.
• Deep-diving into the structure of workplace transport safety: Safe site, safe vehicle, and safe driver – the holy trinity of safety.
• A compact rundown to help you stay on top of workplace transport safety.

So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in!

 

Three key workplace transport safety areas

You’re probably asking, “What’s next on our roadmap?” Well, here’s where the rubber meets the road, the three key areas of workplace transport safety:

• Safe site (design and activity)
• Safe vehicle
• Safe driver

Following this trio is like following traffic lights – they guide you to a safe journey. Let’s break down what they mean:

 

Our guide to workplace transport safety

Safe site design

Safe site design is about how your workspace is laid out. Think about clear traffic routes, one-way systems, enough room for large vehicles, separating pedestrians from vehicles, good visibility, and proper signage.

Traffic routes

• Make sure there are clear and well-defined traffic routes that are wide enough for the largest vehicles using the site.
• Consider one-way systems to minimise the risk of head-on collisions.
• Clearly mark traffic flow directions with arrows and road markings.

Pedestrian safety

• Provide separate walkways or designated pedestrian crossings to separate pedestrians from moving vehicles.
• Install barriers and guardrails where necessary to prevent pedestrians from entering vehicle zones.
• Make sure there is enough lighting in pedestrian areas, especially at crossings and intersections.

Visibility

• Reduce blind spots at intersections and corners by using mirrors or adjusting landscaping.
• Make sure there is plenty of lighting throughout the site too, paying attention to loading docks and areas with high pedestrian traffic.
• Use contrasting colours to highlight walkways, crossings, and potential hazards.

Signage

• Use clear and concise signage to indicate speed limits, traffic flow directions, pedestrian crossings, and hazard zones.
• Make sure signs are visible and appropriately sized for the environment.
• Regularly inspect and maintain signage to ensure it remains effective.

Safe site activity

Safe site activity is about the ‘dos and don’ts’ in your workspace. This includes setting guidelines for reversing, parking, loading and unloading, and avoiding vehicle overturning.

Reversing

• Establish clear procedures for reversing, including the use of spotters where necessary.
• Train drivers in safe reversing techniques and make sure they’re aware of blind spots.

Loading and unloading

• Designate specific loading and unloading zones away from high-traffic areas.
• Train workers in safe loading and unloading procedures, including proper securing of loads.

Vehicle overturning

• Assess the risk of vehicle overturning, especially for vehicles carrying high loads or driving on uneven ground.
• Implement measures to reduce this risk, such as speed limits, load restrictions, and driver training.
• Make sure drivers are aware of the vehicle’s centre of gravity and the importance of maintaining a stable load.

Safe vehicle

Safe vehicle means keeping your rides in check. From driver protection to vehicle visibility and regular maintenance, every little detail counts.

Vehicle maintenance

• Implement a vehicle maintenance program with regular inspections and servicing.
• Keep detailed maintenance records for each vehicle.
• Address any defects or mechanical issues quickly.

Driver protection

• Equip vehicles with necessary safety features like seatbelts, airbags, and rollover protection systems.
• Provide drivers with personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed, such as high-visibility vests and safety footwear.
• Regularly inspect and maintain safety equipment to make sure it is in good working order.

Vehicle visibility

• Provide vehicles with proper lighting, including headlights, taillights, and indicators.
• Use reflective markings or high-visibility paint to increase vehicle visibility, especially in low-light conditions.
• Keep vehicle windows and mirrors clean and clear for optimal driver vision.

Safe driver

And last, but definitely not least, the safe driver. It’s not just about driving skills, it’s about recruiting the right people, providing them with adequate training and periodic refreshers.

Driver recruitment

• Complete a thorough driver recruitment process, including background checks and driving history assessments.
• Make sure drivers hold the appropriate licenses and qualifications for the vehicles they will be operating.
• Assess drivers’ competency and awareness of workplace transport safety regulations.

Driver training

• Provide driver training that covers safe driving practices, vehicle operation, and company-specific safety procedures.
• Conduct regular refresher training to reinforce safe driving habits and update drivers on any new regulations or procedures.
• Offer specialised training for specific vehicle types or tasks, such as operating forklifts or driving in hazardous conditions.

Driver health and wellbeing

• Encourage drivers to report any health concerns that may affect their driving ability.
• Try to limit driver fatigue with regular breaks and shift rotation.

 

On-site workplace transport vs. public road vehicles – what’s the difference?

First up, let’s get our heads around the difference between on-site workplace transport and public road vehicles. It’s easy to think that cars, vans, and lorries are all the same, right? But the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) likes to slice ’em into two categories:

• On-site workplace transport: These are your forklifts, excavators, and other mobile equipment used around your premises, away from public roads.
• Vehicles driven on public roads: This includes everything from delivery vans to motorcycles and even construction equipment used on public roads.

Navigating these two categories comes with its own set of challenges and rules – just like driving in the city and on country roads are different ballgames. You have workplace transport regulations for on-site vehicles and road traffic laws for those on public roads. Different rulebooks, but the same goal – safety first.

 

Unsure of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992? We’ve got you covered

Now, let’s tackle the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. Think of them as your roadmap to safety. These guidelines apply to all workplaces, unless there’s a more specific rule, like the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 for vehicles on construction sites.

So, how can we make our workplaces a safe haven for vehicles and pedestrians? Start by arranging your workspace thoughtfully. If you’re feeling a little lost, think of using a workplace transport risk assessment template, outlining points such as adequate lighting, marking out traffic routes, and keeping all openings clear.

But hey, there’s more! You’ve also got the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 to consider. Picture this as a check-up for your vehicles. Whether it’s a flat tyre or a broken mirror, it’s your job to make sure all vehicles are in tip-top shape. Remember, a well-maintained vehicle is a safe vehicle!

 

Creating your workplace transport risk assessment

The journey towards safety continues with your workplace transport risk assessment. Think of this as your checklist before hitting the road. It’s your guide to potential hazards, from falling objects to environmental impact. Let’s face it, you don’t want any nasty surprises on your ride! You could include:

• Falling from vehicles
• Associated risks with overturning
• Activities performed by the workplace
• People being struck by falling items from vehicles
• The conduct of employees when operating a vehicle
• Traffic routes
• Vehicle maintenance
• Environmental impact of workplace vehicles
• On-site supervision

 

Our bitesize workplace transport safety summary

Phew! That was a lot to digest, right? But as the saying goes, “Better safe than sorry.” To make things easier, here’s a brief summary of a guide to workplace transport safety:

• Keep everyone safe, from employees to contractors and the public.
• Create a thorough Health & Safety policy that includes workplace transport safety.
• Conduct a detailed risk assessment.
• Invest in necessary PPE equipment.
• Implement a comprehensive workplace training program.

 

Managing workplace safety with Citation

Managing workplace transport safety can be time-consuming and overwhelming. But we’re here to help. With our bespoke Health & Safety services package, you’ll get the following perks:

• 24/7 Health & Safety advice – we’re always on hand to offer guidance on risk assessments, accidents and incidents, and much more.
• Advice guarantee – we’ll pay the costs of defending safety prosecutions and actions taken by an enforcing authority up to £1.5 million per year.
• Health & Safety documentation – hands-on support creating risk assessments and method statements, as well as your Health & Safety handbook and Health & Safety policy created for you.
• Online Health & Safety management hub – with access to our easy-to-use online management system, Atlas, you’ll never need to download a risk assessment template from the web again.
• Annual site visits – keeping you on track and filling any gaps on an annual basis.

Contact our Health & Safety consultants today to request a quote. Our wonderful team of professional experts will be on hand to assist with your queries. We’ll help ensure your workplace transport safety is in tip-top shape!

You can also download our free workplace transport safety guide to find out more.