How to ensure your workers remain safe around vehicles

article-imageA large number of serious or fatal injuries each year are attributed to being struck by a vehicle in the workplace. It is therefore important that you action to ensure that your vehicle operations on site are managed properly, and the risks are controlled.

It is essential that you firstly identify the risks involved. Think about how someone could be run over, reversed into or hit by moving vehicle parts such as shovels or booms. Implement controls to prevent this happening, such as by improving lighting conditions and training drivers and other workers so they are aware of the operating hazards.

There are also various precautions you can introduce on site to reduce risks. These include reducing reversing operations wherever possible. Introducing one way systems, and ensuring vehicles follow the designated routes. You should also define a maximum speed limit you want drivers to adhere to, and include this in inductions and regular briefings.

To protect pedestrians you could introduce segregated pedestrian walkways and crossings and use barriers to stop vehicles using them. Ensure workers do not use headphones or mobile phones when walking on site if there is a risk of being run over – these devices will stop them from being aware of their surroundings.

Increasing visibility is also a good way to reduce accidents so workers should wear hi-vis when on site. Vehicles should have suitable mirrors and CCTV fitted where appropriate and you could fit reversing alarms to vehicles, too.

If you require more information about health and safety visit https://www.walkersafety.co.uk

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