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Every year we see serious injuries and incidents involving vehicles near the top of the data that WorkSafe releases. Needless to say, anything with wheels and an engine should be at the forefront of your mind on-site. 

From delivery trucks to excavators, if it moves, and it’s got some weight… then that means power!  it’s going to cause some damage if it isn’t controlled.  So always keep safety in mind!

Keep pedestrians and vehicles apart
Separate the two wherever you can with careful planning at the design and set up stages.

Minimise vehicle movements
Provide car and van parking away from the work area if possible. Also control entry points, and plan storage areas, so that vehicles don’t need to cross the site where people are.

Turning and reversing vehicles
A spotter wearing high-vis clothing should guide the driver who can’t see clearly behind their vehicle. Mirrors, reversing, warning alarms, sensors and cameras can also make all the difference.

People on-site
When untrained workers drive vehicles without authority, you’re in trouble. Always manage the training and access of drivers to your vehicles, including those visiting.

Visibility
The more the better, just make sure it stands out in the right way. From on-site lighting to aids for drivers (mirrors, CCTV cameras and reversing alarms) to hi-vis clothing for those on the ground. Find out more about the use of hi-vis clothing on-site in our blog here.

Accidents are preventable when risk is managed. How do you manage risk? You get a plan – a good one.

Traffic management plans

A traffic management plan documents and helps explain how risks will be managed. This might include details of: 

• Designated travel paths for vehicles including entry and exit points
• Seperated pedestrian and traffic routes
• Designated delivery and loading/unloading areas
• Travel paths on routes remote from the workplace, including places to turn around, dump material, access ramps and side roads
• The responsibilities of people expected to interact with traffic onsite

Every site is different, but your plan should be monitored and reviewed regularly. It should also be adapted when there are changes to your work situation. 

If you have any questions get in touch with the HazardCo team today