Every year a significant number of people are killed by accidents involving vehicles in the workplace and many more people are injured. Better planning, training and awareness and the appropriate use of vehicles can avoid most of these accidents.

Workplace transport means any vehicle that is used in a work setting, such as a fork lift truck. It also includes cars and vans when these are operated off the public highway or when they are unloading goods.

Risk assessment is the term used to describe an employer’s duty to identify whether accidents might happen in their workplace and the steps taken to try and make sure they are avoided. A risk assessment should first identify whether any work activities involve vehicles and, if that is the case, identify the risks associated with these activities. This gives a framework to decide whether any further action must be taken to prevent an accident.

In carrying out their assessment, employers should ask themselves the following questions:-

• Could someone be hit by a moving vehicle?
• Could someone fall from a vehicle e.g. during loading?
• Could someone be hit by an object falling from a vehicle?
• Could a vehicle tip over?
• Are vehicles suitable for their use?
• Are they properly maintained?
• Are the vehicle routes safe and suitable for the type and number of vehicles using them?
• Have you considered nearby obstructions?
• Are there pressures on drivers to work less safely e.g. by driving when they are tired or driving too fast to meet a deadline?
• Are drivers observing routes and speed limits?
• Are other workers, customers and members of the public kept clear of workplace vehicles wherever possible?

The law requires that health and safety risks at work are controlled as far as is reasonably practicable. This means that the cost must be sensible in proportion to the safety benefit and it must be physically possible.

For more information access the Health and Executive’s guidance document on ‘Workplace Transport Safety’.

The Health and Safety Executive’s website has a comprehensive section on workplace transport.