Unit GC 2 – Controlling workplace hazards Element 2: Transport hazards and risk controls

Question 1

Typical hazards involving vehicles

Answer 1

Collision with: People, Other vehicles, Fixed plant, Overturning of vehicles, Loss of a load, Falling from lorries

Question 2

Outline common reasons for vehicles overturning.

Answer 2

• Driving too fast around corners
• Driving across a gradient
• Loads unevenly distributed on vehicle
• Driving over poor ground conditions
• Swerving due to driving too fast and losing control of vehicle
• Puncture at high speed

Question 3

Outline control measures for safe vehicle operations.

Answer 3

• Risk assessment to identify hazards and risks
• Well designed traffic routes – in good condition and well maintained
• Reduce need for reversing (one way systems)
• Provide adequate lighting
• Segregation of people and vehicles
• Driver training – competency requirements

Question 4

Factors that increase the risk of a traffic incident

Answer 4

• The distance driven
• The amount of hours spent driving
• Work schedules
• Stress due to traffic
• Weather conditions

Question 5

Managing work related road safety

Answer 5

• The H & S policy should cover road safety
• Ensure top level commitment to road safety
• Ensure co-operation across departments
• Have systems in place to manage road safety
• Monitor performance to ensure policy is effective

Question 6

Driving at Work - Risk factors

Answer 6

When evaluating the risk consider:
• The driver – competency; fitness and health; level of training
• The vehicle – suitability and condition; safety equipment; safety information (e.g. tyre pressures); ergonomic issues (e.g. seating and driving posture)
• The journey – routes to be taken, scheduling of loading / unloading; sufficient time to take account of hold ups; weather forecast

Question 7

Identify the 3 main factors to consider when developing a control strategy for safe driving.

Answer 7

• The Driver
• The Vehicle
• The Journey

Question 8

Identify the control measures that could be implemented to reduce the risks to pedestrians in areas where vehicles are manoeuvring.

Answer 8

Introduction of one-way systems to avoid the need for reversing and the use of designated traffic routes for vehicles and vehicles; segregation by marking routes and use of barriers and refuges; installation of mirrors at strategic points to improve visibility; install transparent doors and lighting as required; speed restrictions and site enforcement arrangements; fitting visual and audible alarms to vehicles; regular maintenance of vehicles (brakes, tyres, steering); driver training to ensure competence; use of high visibility clothing.

Question 9

Outline the measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of injury from reversing vehicles

Answer 9

The most effective way of reducing the risks from reversing is to remove the need for it altogether by setting up one-way systems, e.g. drive -through loading and unloading. Where revering is unavoidable, organised routes to minimise the need for it. Any single measure is unlikely to be enough to ensure safety. These measures include segregated reversing areas with sufficient space, use of banksmen to ensure safety during the activity and alarms and warnings on vehicles.

Question 10

Outline the factors to be considered when assessing the risks from long distance driving.

Answer 10

Organisations and drivers should work together to agree the process for adequate route planning which considers hazards and identifies controls/ This will need to be regularly reviewed to ensure changing conditions, road layouts and the impact of long term road works.

Whenever possible the journeys should be scheduled to avoid danger periods when drivers may feel tired and sleepy. These periods are usually between 2am - 6am in the morning and 2pm-4pm in the afternoon. Drivers should be encouraged to take regular breaks and the time allowance of this should be factored into the schedule.

Question 11

Outline the factors that should be considered when selecting a vehicle for use at work.

Answer 11

Vehicles must be suitable for the intended purpose and all vehicles must be maintained in a roadworthy condition,

Safety equipment should be provided where necessary and should be appropriate to the geographical areas which the vehicle will use.

The vehicles should be ergonomically designed to meet the needs of the drivers wherever possible. This includes adequate comfortable seating, accessibility of controls and additional features such as reversing mirrors.

Question 12

Most transport accidents are due to:

Answer 12

• moving vehicles (including people being hit or run over);
• people failing from vehicles
• people being hit by falling objects (usually part of the load)
• vehicles overturning
• reversing vehicles
• failure to provide a safe site
• failure to make sure that safe systems are followed
• persons injured whilst loading/unloading vehicles or securing loads
• vehicle maintenance work
• poor weather or road conditions leading to loss of vehicles control
• collisions with other vehicles

Question 13

Workplace transport accidents are more likely where:

Answer 13

• the vehicles are not maintained and not fit for purpose
• the work environment is poorly lit
• there are poor internal roads and insufficient space for vehicles operations
• there is no separation of vehicles and pedestrians
• the drivers are not competent to drive the vehicles on site
• poor levels of reporting and awareness of sale procedures.

Question 14

Pedestrian routes should

Answer 14

• have clear signs indicating routes & hazards
• have enough space to accommodate peak traffic and emergency evacuation
• have as much of a direct route to the workplace as possible
• have barriers or fencing to keep pedestrians apart from vehicles
• have a clear line of sight in all directions at crossing points
• be separated from loading bays and reversing areas
• be well maintained and be clear of obstacles.etc
• have clear procedures ensuring pedestrians keep to the correct routes
• be wide enough for vehicles to pass pedestrians safely.
• lift truck routes inside buildings should be clearly marked to inform pedestrians, and segregated wherever possible;
• where driver-less vehicles and pedestrians share the same route, the creation of ‘trapping’ areas for pedestrians must be avoided

Question 15

Traffic routes should:

Answer 15

• have clear signs and barriers in place
• have speed limits set which are appropriate to traffic in the area
• introduce other traffic slowing systems such as speed bumps and cameras
• have good lighting
• be free of obstructions and well maintained
• be of appropriate construction for the vehicles in use
• use mirrors or other safety controls in use for any ‘blind spots’
• eliminate / avoid any gradients or changes of level which may present a risk for certain vehicles.

Question 16

Control Measures for Safe Workplace Transport Operations

Answer 16

A risk assessment should be conducted to identify all hazards and risks associated with workplace transport, and risk proportionate controls should be used to ensure safe working practice.

All workplace transport controls will involve the management of the workplace environment, the provision of suitable / safe vehicles, and the use of competent drivers.

Question 17

The Workplace Environment

Answer 17

The workplace environment should be designed to meet the needs of organisations with regards to the movement of vehicles through the site.

Traffic routes should be suitable and sufficient for the type of vehicles in use and the volume of traffic using the roads.

Where possible there should be separate vehicle and pedestrian routes to minimise the risk of injury / harm.

Question 18

Traffic routes should:

Answer 18

• have clear signs and barriers in place
• have speed limited set which are appropriate to traffic in the area
• introduce other traffic slowing systems such as speed bumps and cameras
• have good lighting
• be free of obstructions and well maintained.
• be of appropriate construction for the vehicles in use
• use mirrors or other safety controls in use for any ‘blind spots’
• eliminate / avoid any gradients or changes of level which may present a risk for certain vehicles

Question 19

Parking Areas

Answer 19

An essential part of the traffic management system on site is the provision of car parking areas for employees and visitors. Suitable parking areas should be provided for all vehicles using the workplace. The size and type of parking area will be dependent upon the vehicles being used (including those belonging to visitors). Routes to be followed after parking should be clear and well signed and lit.

Question 20

Loading Bays

Answer 20

Loading bays have caused many serious accidents due to lack of adequate physical precautions and systems of work. There should always be at least one pedestrian exit point and a refuge to prevent people being struck or crushed. Loading bay edges should be clearly marked and where necessary fenced.

Question 21

Vehicle Maintenance

Answer 21

Vehicles should be maintained in accordance with the manufacturers guidelines and the usage level on site. The frequency of maintenance may need to be increased if usage of the vehicles increases / changes. Maintenance and daily checks should be considered the jay requirements for safe vehicle operation. These include:

• The braking system
• The steering system
• Tyres
• Mirrors
• Windscreen washers and wipers
• Any warning devices
• Specific safety systems
• Racking, securing points for ropes
• Any hydraulic or pneumatic systems

Vehicles should be used in accordance with the design specification and any adaptions agreed with the manufacturer before change takes place

Question 22

A number of workplace transport vehicles have safety design features to reduce the risk of injury / harm to the driver. These include:

Answer 22

• Dedicated and suitable seat for the driver
• Seat belt
• Falling object protection system (FOPS) where there is a risk of falling objects
• Rollover protection system (ROPS) which there is a risk of overturning the vehicle.
• Mechanisms to prevent unathorised start-up of the vehicle
• Lights and alarms to indicate faults and warn others of vehicle movements
• Isolation devices where the vehicle is operating outside safety limits.
• Closed-circuit television (CCTV) may be appropriate for some vehicles where the driver cannot see clearly behind or around the vehicle.
• Speed limiters

Question 23

A number of workplace traffic accidents occur due to overturning vehicles. The reason for vehicles overturning are:

Answer 23

• Overloading or uneven loading of the vehicle
• Cornering at excessive speeds
• Driving across an incline / gradient
• Inappropriate tyre pressure
• Sudden braking
• Damaged road surfaces

Question 24

To reduce the risk of overturning vehicles, organisations may consider:

Answer 24

• Correct, safe and secure loading of vehicle
• Ensure all operative controls are in good working order before the vehicles is used
• Check tyre pressures
• Ensure vehicles are driven in accordance with vehicle / site speed limits
• Maintain road surfaces to reduce surface damage which could cause a vehicle to become imbalanced
• Use vehicles with roll over protection systems
• Provide adequate space for vehicle movements
• Use well trained and competent drivers.