Hazards
Moving Vehicles at Workplaces- Pedestrian Safety
In Ireland there are a significant number of serious and fatal accidents at workplaces involving the collision of vehicles with pedestrians, other vehicles, or other objects. The severity of a vehicle collision is often high and there is a need to carry out risk assessments where vehicle movements occur to identify the control measures are in place to minimise the risk of the hazard being realised. Where there are significant vehicle movements then it may be necessary to develop a traffic management plan.
This guidance is simplistic in nature and is predominantly aimed at employers where there are a relatively small number of vehicle movements in the vicinity of pedestrians rather than a place of work where there are a high number of vehicle movements involving large vehicles. Much more detailed information can be found on the HSA website at the Vehicles at Work section.
Vehicle movements occur at most workplaces including agricultural vehicles, deliveries to retail outlets, deliveries and collections from manufacturing premises and customers and other visitors arriving and leaving workplaces, and movement of vehicles in car parks.
Vehicle - Pedestrian Safety
Without doubt the most significant risk is the collision of a vehicle with a pedestrian and a number of control measure are identified below.
Segregation
Where possible vehicles and pedestrians should be separated, this can be achieved by having dedicated pedestrian routes that remove the pedestrian from the risk or by having areas where vehicles are not permitted to enter. In car parks it is advantageous to direct pedestrians to pedestrian routes immediately upon exiting their vehicle and it is preferable to have a physical barrier on pedestrian routes between vehicles and pedestrians. A highlighted pedestrian route can be prepared but does not offer the same protection or presence as a physical barrier. Where full segregation is not possible the pedestrian route should be supplemented by designated crossing areas, speed restrictors (Humps) and signage indicating maximum speed and the presence of pedestrians/vehicles.
Loading Areas
The public and employees not involved with loading and unloading of deliveries should be prohibited from entering loading and unloading areas and these areas should not be used to access the workplace or where people may accumulate, i.e. used as a smoking area or traversed to access the work canteen or toilets.
Reversing vehicles are a major source of accidents and where possible one-way systems should be introduced to make reversing unnecessary.
If it is not possible to eliminate reversing then vehicles should be fitted with reversing aids such as reversing sirens, mirrors, proximity radar devices and CCTV cameras appropriate to the risk. Where vehicles are not in the ownership of the employer at the workplace then the employer should make suppliers aware of site rules for reversing aids, exiting vehicles and the requirements for PPE and Hi-Viz clothing.
Any employees that are required to work in loading areas should be provided with any necessary PPE and Hi-Viz clothing and the risks from vehicle movements must be clearly explained to them.
If vehicles are loaded and unloaded at times when visibility is restricted then adequate lighting must be provided and placed so as to be most effective and avoiding dazzling of drivers.
If it is necessary to use a banksman to guide vehicles into loading areas then the risk to the banksman should be assessed and control measures put in place to ensure that the driver can see the banksman at all times and know that the banksman is in a position of safety at all times, two way radios could assist in these circumstances.
If a lift truck is used in loading areas then measures should be in place to eliminate pedestrians from the area and this should include instructing the vehicle drivers to remain in their vehicle whilst loading/unloading operations take place.
Where there is a dedicated loading bay then the controls for dock levellers must be placed in a position where they can be operated without exposing the operator to contact with moving vehicles.
Lift Trucks at Workplaces
Lift trucks are especially dangerous to pedestrians, and as far as possible they should be kept apart. If lift trucks are required to operate in public areas then a safe system of work should be developed, and its operation monitored. Lift trucks are required to be maintained and thoroughly examined; drivers should be trained and certified to operate the lift truck.
Where lift trucks are used in the workplace then segregation of lift truck and pedestrian is the preferred control measure, where this is not possible then the movement of pedestrians should be restricted, dedicated pedestrian routes provided, necessary warning signs and visibility aids such as mirrors on turns should be provided along with the use of necessary PPE and Hi-Viz clothing in addition to trained drivers, well maintained vehicles and reversing aids.
Where lift trucks are required to load vehicles owned by members of the public then this should take place in a quarantine area away from other vehicles and pedestrians. The driver and any other passengers should either be moved to a safe location or must remain in their vehicles whilst loading takes place.
Vehicle Routes
Where pedestrian and vehicle routes cross, well-marked and signposted crossing points should be provided. Signs should be placed so that people have time to see them, and take appropriate action before they reach the hazard. All signs should be clearly understandable, be easily noticed, clean and well-maintained so that they are visible at all times.
There should be enough visibility at junctions and bends to allow drivers and pedestrians to see anything that might be dangerous. Avoid sharp or blind bends, and where they are unavoidable consider measures such as mirrors to aid vision around corners.
Appropriate speed limits should be strictly enforced and traffic calming measures should be considered where they have been identified as necessary. Traffic calming measures may include speed humps, narrowing routes by use of bollards, raised kerbs or chicanes, and ‘rumble’ strips or areas but need to be appropriate for the risk. Traffic calming measures should be clearly visible and where possible should be lit or made reflective.
More detailed information can be found at our Work Related Vehicle section or on the links below: