10.1 Hazards, risk and control measures for safe workplace transport operations

Question 1

The main causes of fatal accidents and major injuries are:

Answer 1

 being struck by a moving vehicle (60% of fatal accidents and 37% of major injuries)  people falling off a vehicle or its load (17% of fatal accidents and 42% of major injuries)  loads falling off vehicles (14% of fatal accidents and 10% of major injuries)  vehicles overturning (9% of fatal accidents and 3% of major injuries).

Question 2

Safe systems of work for the use of a site dumper should be developed following consideration of

Answer 2

 Vehicle - a dumper should be selected on the basis of its size and capacity and stability for use on site, and should be maintained in good (safe) condition. It should be provided with a roll-over protective structure (ROPS) and integral seat restraints (such as seat belts), designed to hold the driver in position should the vehicle tip over. A ROPS bar on its own will not adequately protect the driver in the event of a roll-over.  Site - site routes should be maintained to minimise potholes, ruts, debris and other obstructions.  Driver - the use of any site vehicle should be restricted to competent drivers who have been authorised to operate that vehicle. Only authorised drivers should hold vehicle keys.

Question 3

Hazards may arise from a range of non-movement related workplace transport activities including: 4

Answer 3

 Loading, unloading and securing loads  Coupling  Sheeting  Vehicle maintenance work.

Question 4

A safe and secure load needs to be both:

Answer 4

 restrained, i.e. tied firmly down to the load bed  contained so that it can’t move around (shift) inside the vehicle.

Question 5

Many tipper sheeting accidents could be prevented if automated sheeting devices were used and there was better co-operation between the parties involved. A hierarchy of solutions for managing the risk would be: 5

Answer 5

(a) Leave the load unsheeted (if road traffic and environmental law allows it). (b) Use automated or mechanical sheeting systems, which don’t require people to go upon the vehicle. (c) Use manual sheeting systems which don’t require people to go up on the vehicle. (d) Use work platforms to provide safe access to carry out sheeting from the platform without having to access the load. (e) Use gantry/harness systems to prevent or arrest a fall.

Question 6

Coupling procedures will vary between different vehicles. A safe procedure should be determined for each individual vehicle following a risk assessment. In general though the stages of a safe coupling procedure are: 8

Answer 6

(a) Apply trailer handbrake, if fitted. Note: handbrakes may be absent if the trailer air brakes are fail-safe or there are other measures to prevent movement. (b) For automatic coupling: - reverse cab slowly under the trailer, with the ‘kingpin’ lined up to the ‘V’ of the locking mechanism. (c) For manual coupling: - reverse the vehicle into place - make sure that the parking brakes are applied - manually attach the locking mechanism. (d) ‘Tug test’, i.e. drive forward slowly in a low gear to check that the fifth wheel is in place. (e) Make sure that the parking brakes are applied. (f) Leave the cab and inspect the locking mechanism to make sure that it is secure. (g) Fit any safety clips and connect all brake hoses and the electrical supply to the trailer. Check that they are secure. (h) Wind up any landing legs on the trailer and secure the handle.

Question 7

The key features of a well-designed site are:

Answer 7

 Suitable and sufficient traffic routes  Segregation of pedestrians and vehicles  Roadway design and construction

Question 8

Outline the main design features of a warehouse and associated traffic routes intended to reduce the risks associated with internal transport. 10 marks

Answer 8

Main design features of this warehouse and associated traffic routes include:  the provision of traffic routes with a smooth and stable surface, and of sufficient width and headroom for the types of vehicle that will use them  the elimination of sharp bends, blind corners and steep gradients, with the siting of convex mirrors on those corners that cannot be avoided  the installation of a one way system to minimise the need for reversing  the inclusion of passing places for vehicles  the introduction of speed limits and the provision of speed retarders  the provision of a good standard of lighting for the routes, and particularly for the transition areas between the inside and outside of buildings  the segregation of vehicles and pedestrians, including separate access and egress, with vision panels in the access doors  the provision of clearly marked crossing places for pedestrians, and designated parking spaces for vehicles to avoid congestion  the provision of protection for racking and other vulnerable items and the use of wheel stops at loading bays and in areas where tipping is necessary  the provision of adequate ventilation to clear diesel exhaust gasses from the building.

Question 9

When selecting work vehicles account must be taken of:

Answer 9

 the working conditions  the risks to the health and safety of people using the work vehicle  any further risk posed by the use of chosen work vehicle.

Question 10

Regular inspections should be undertaken to ensure that the vehicle remains in good order. This might involve:

Answer 10

 Pre-use inspections or daily safety checks by drivers, to ensure that, for example, tyres are properly inflated, and the horn, lights and brakes work.  Regular preventive maintenance inspections being carried out, based on time or mileage, in accordance with manufacturer’s guidance.

Question 11

Safe people Employers are required to:

Answer 11

 Take account of employees’ capabilities regarding health and safety when allocating them tasks.  Give adequate training to employees to ensure health and safety (on recruitment and whenever exposed to new or increased risks).  Only permit authorised drivers to drive workplace vehicles.