Hazard: Workplace transport
Workplace transport covers any activity involving the use of a vehicle at work.
Being struck by a moving vehicle is the second most common cause of death at work. These deaths occurred across a wide range of industries, but most occurred in the transportation and storage/warehousing and the agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors.
Workplace transport is also a major cause of work-related injury with people falling off vehicles, or being struck or crushed by them.
Reversing vehicles can be a particular hazard.
Control: Workplace transport
To reduce the risks of injury from workplace transport, there are three main areas to consider.
- The vehicle
- The driver
- The site
The vehicle – controls include:
- use of appropriate vehicles
- vehicle maintenance
- speed limiters
- reverse alarms
- protection of the driver
The driver – controls include:
- safe driving procedures and systems of work (including permits to use vehicles)
- supervision, instruction and training
- driving practice
The site – controls include:
- separating pedestrians from vehicles
- minimising vehicle activity at peak pedestrian times
- keeping vehicle routes free from obstructions and congestion
- good lighting
- assistance mirrors for areas with restricted view
- providing a one-way system, speed bumps, a speed limit, designated areas for reversing
- using banksmen (to control traffic)