3 minute read
SAFETY MATTERS
To effectively control workplace transport risks an all-inclusive Safe System approach is required, that focuses on all elements of transport operations to successfully improve safety. The Safe System approach recognises that safety education and training alone cannot eliminate adverse incidents, and focus must also be placed on the arrangements in the workplace and the behaviour of operators and other persons in the workplace.
The three areas of intervention of the Safe System approach are:
1. Safe workplace 2. Safe vehicles, and 3. Safe operators
To effectively control workplace transport risks, the vehicle, the driver and the working environment must be appropriately managed, and this article will concentrate on the vehicle. It deals with the keeping of safe vehicles in the workplace and highlights the importance of using vehicles that are safe, suitable and fit for purpose for the tasks and environment in which they are used. It also covers basic vehicle pre-use checks, standards, servicing and vehicle repairs. Vehicles should be selected based on suitability for intended tasks and suitability for the work environment. Safety should be a key priority when choosing a vehicle. Horns, lights, reflectors, reversing lights and other safety features should be provided as necessary. Seat belts, and other restraints where necessary, must be provided. They should be safe and comfortable. Additional visibility aids and audible warning systems may need to be fitted. Devices such as extra mirrors, reversing cameras or parking sensors may help reduce blind spots. Warning devices such as horns, rotating beacons or reversing alarms will warn pedestrians of vehicle movement. Safety guards must be provided on dangerous parts of vehicles, such as power take-offs, chain drives and exposed hot exhaust pipes. Service brakes and parking brakes must be in good working order. A system must be in place to ensure regular checking and maintenance.
If applicable, adequate protection, for the driver, from falling objects must be in place, as well as adequate roll over protection to protect the driver against injury from vehicle overturn. There must be a safe way of getting into and out of the vehicle cab. Also, there must be a safe way of getting to or from any other parts of the vehicle which need to be accessed by drivers or employees.
Vehicles and attachments must be used only for tasks that they are designed for. It may be necessary to provide vehicle equipment and/ or personal protective equipment to protect drivers from prevailing weather conditions, or in a challenging environment which might involve extremes of temperature, other weather conditions, dirt, dust, fumes, excessive noise, and excessive vibration.
A vehicle authorisation and key control procedure must be in place to ensure that only appropriately trained, authorised drivers use specific vehicles. Drivers must be made aware of vehicle specifications and safety features and how and when to use them, for example, anti-lock braking system, cruise control, reversing aids, and the correct type flashing beacons.
An important aspect of keeping vehicles safe is having a programme of vehicle checks, maintenance and defect reporting and backing that up with a system for dealing with defects. There should be a system for drivers to carry out and record pre-use basic safety checks. These checks should be done before using vehicles, either on a daily or on a shift basis. A regular preventive maintenance programme must be in place for each vehicle, as per manufacturer’s instructions. An inspection and testing programme must be in place for vehicles that lift people or materials. This programme would include a thorough examination of the lifting equipment itself. A defect reporting system is required to identify and record vehicle defects. If necessary, defective vehicles should be taken out of service until all repairs are complete. Repairs should be done promptly by authorised and qualified people only.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that safe vehicles are provided in the workplace. The business owner must have a vehicle management system in place to make sure that checks, servicing and repairs are carried out as required. The system must include a written record of these activities. A system should be in place which makes sure that where serious defects arise, the vehicle is withdrawn and is not used again until the defect has been rectified and the vehicle is safe to use. Supervisors must ensure that vehicles are used in accordance with the procedures and rules, and drivers, employees and contractors must be made aware of the steps to take when damage or defects are noticed such that the servicing and repair system can be implemented.
For further information on this topic go to the Health and Safety Authority’s website at https://www.hsa.ie/eng/ Vehicles_at_Work/.
