Workplace transport and transport operations

This chapter details considerations that should be given to areas with major issues associated with workplace transport, such as pedestrians and parking.

Updates for 2024:

Addition of new workshop safety section.

 

Download the Workplace transport and transport operations chapter of the Yearbook

Contents:

  • Moving vehicles.

  • Pedestrians.

  • Visitors.

  • Contractors.

  • Mechanical handling equipment (MHE).

  • Loading and unloading areas.

  • Reversing and manoeuvring of vehicles.

  • Parking.

  • Peak traffic movements.

  • Falls from heights.

  • Night work.

  • Refuelling.

  • Weighbridges and vehicle washers.

  • Foreign vehicles and drivers.

  • Workshop safety.

  • Alternatively fuelled vehicles.

 

More information

Download the Workplace transport and transport operations chapter of the Yearbook

Theory and Practice

Looking at two areas of Health and Safety, broadly speaking the theory and the practice. Firstly the main health and safety laws affecting vehicle operators. And then some commonly encountered high risk activities and explains how control measures should be implemented.

Though the Health and Safety Executive’s jurisdiction over vehicles on public roads is limited, they can and do inspect and enforce the law in depots, factories, construction sites and other off-road premises. Members should, therefore, ensure they are aware of and comply with their legal duties. Breaches of health and safety law can incur both criminal and civil liability. Criminal responsibility arises mainly from legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA). It is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authority environmental health officers.

There are a number of areas that need to be addressed regarding workplace transport. It is essential that employers carry out risk assessment and consider these areas and any others that may be specific to their operation, e.g. hazardous substances etc.