This Page is Sponsored by
PCL Consulting Health and Safety Consultants
E163:05 14 December 2005
HSE publishes up to date
guidance on safe operation of vehicles in the workplace
Workplace Transport Safety: An Employers’ Guide (HSG136)
was launched by HSE at the Health and Safety Partnership Conference held
today at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London.
The comprehensive guidance provides advice on all aspects of workplace transport
operations. Although primarily aimed at managers and supervisors, it is equally
useful for safety and union representatives, contractors, the self-employed
and employees.
Announcing its publication Carol Grainger, head of HSE’s Workplace Transport
Team, said: “ Workplace transport is the second biggest cause of incidents
in the workplace, accounting for about 70 fatalities each year. The majority
of these accidents are preventable. Reducing these casualties is an important
priority in the HSE’s work programme.
“The guide gives detailed advice on the key risks surrounding transport use
in today's workplaces, and how to get to grips with controlling them. There’s
also a free booklet which provides an extensive overview of the subject,
enabling those responsible for workplace transport to identify any areas
of their operations where further help might be required”.
The guide tackles general workplace transport safety issues and provides
an introduction to workplace transport risk management. In particular, it
offers information on assessing transport risks relating to site safety,
vehicles themselves, and the people working with and around them and implementing
a safe system of work. Later chapters offer specific guidance on typical
workplace transport operations and common risks. Throughout, the book provides
practical examples of risk control.
HSE has also published a revised version of Workplace Transport: An Overview.
This is a free booklet that provides employers with a brief summary of the
main issues that should be considered when planning workplace transport operations.
Arranged similarly to An Employers’ Guide, the 27-page booklet also includes
specific sections about workplace organisation and operations. The booklet
can be downloaded from the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/tranindx.htm
Notes to Editors
Copies of Workplace Transport Safety: An Employers’ Guide, ISBN 0 7176 6154
7, price £11.50, are available from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury,
Suffolk CO10 2WA, tel: 01787-881165 or fax: 01787-313995. Priced publications
are also available from good booksellers.
Copies of Workplace Transport Safety: An Overview, INDG199(rev1) are available
from HSE Books, as well as from the website given above.
Workplace transport means any vehicle that is used in a work setting. It
specifically excludes transport on the public highway; air, rail or water
transport, and specialised transport used in underground mining.
The four main types of workplace transport accidents which employers and
the self employed need to prevent are:
moving vehicles hitting or running over people;
people falling off vehicles;
vehicles overturning; and
objects falling off vehicles
Further information and guidance on ensuring workplace
transport operations are carried out safely can be found on the HSE website
at: www.hse.gov.uk/workplacetransport/index.htm
HSE and Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS) are
holding the annual Health and Safety Partnership Conference at Queen Elizabeth
II Conference II Conference Centre, Westminster, on 14 December 2005. The
Minister with responsibility for health and safety, Lord Hunt, will give
the keynote address and the focus of this year’s event will be the current
and future opportunities and challenges for the LA/HSE partnership, including
the Better Regulation Agenda. Further information on the conference can be
viewed at: www.lacors.gov.uk/pages/trade/ConferenceDetails.asp?C_ID=96
Public Enquiries
HSE InfoLine, tel: 0845 345 0055, or write to: HSE InfoLine, Caerphilly Business
Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG.
Press Enquiries : Journalists only
Oliver Glackin 020 7717 6016
