January 4, 2006—The UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a comprehensive guide providing advice on all aspects of workplace transport operations.
Workplace Transport Safety: An Employers’ Guide (HSG136), designed primarily for managers and supervisors, 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 on 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, says HSE. 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 to be considered when planning workplace transport operations. Arranged similarly to An Employers’ Guide, the 27-page booklet also includes specific sections about workplace organization and operations. The booklet can be downloaded from HSE.
According to HSE, workplace transport is the second biggest cause of incidents in the UK workplace, accounting for about 70 fatalities each year, the majority of which HSE considers preventable.
