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!

 

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 tire 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

 

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:

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.

Safe site activity

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

Safe vehicle

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

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.

 

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 management 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.