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Don't slip up

13th March 2008, Page 26
13th March 2008
Page 26
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Page 26, 13th March 2008 — Don't slip up
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Each year there are around 500 injuries in the transport industry due to workplace accidents. As the Health & Safety Executive begins a new safety campaign, we explain what employers can do to minimise risk.

Words: Kathleen Potter Health & Safety Executive (HSE) figures for 2006/07 revealed that the most common cause of major injury across all industries was slipping and tripping. In the transport and warehousing industry alone there were 554 injuries recorded. The IISE is now running a new campaign to raise awareness of the risks and help those involved to take simple action that will prevent slips, trips and falls.

Transport employers often fail to realise that the vehicle itself is a place of work. By law every workplace must be organised so that employees can circulate safely around it and every workplace traffic route must be constructed so that it is lit for purpose. Traffic includes pedestrian movement.

Traffic routes must, as far as is reasonably practicable. be kept free from any obstruction or object that may cause a person to slip, trip or fall. Consideration of hazards must therefore be given to each access and egress point on the vehicle, along with areas on the vehicle that the employee will move around, usually the chassis and the immediate vicinity of the vehicle.

Working on vehicles often means working at height. This needs to be assessed to comply with those regulations. The old two-meter rule is now abolished and the new regulations require employers to consider the risks of injury from any fall. Slips and trips are obvious hazards while working at height.

Such hazards are often overlooked because employers believe safety is down to common sense and that accidents can be attributed to a lack of concentration on the part of the employee. But simple steps on the part of the employer can prevent many accidents (see sidebar).

Safe system of work However, identifying hazards and making improvements are just the start. You must implement a safe system of work.

Devise a good housekeeping system: a simple daily inspection sheet will act as an early warning system and identify any maintenance needs. It will also identify employees who are not keeping their vehicle tidy and well organised.

Safety measures are ineffective if the workforce does not know and appreciate their importance. Employees must be thoroughly trained in working at height, safe access and egress, provision of PPE (personal protection equipment) and the importance of good housekeeping. Provide regular refresher training and keep written training records.

HSE figures for 2006/07 show 75% of major incidents in the transport industry occurred during loading and unloading. Better planning and communication can reduce the risk of injury.

The HSE identified that a common cause of accidents during loading and unloading is a lack of communication between key duty holders as to who will be responsible for what in terms of health and safety.

The HSE considers it good practice to exchange health and safety information at the contractual stage, and endorses three general principles: • Send out safety information on delivery/collection.

• Request safety information on delivery/collection from others in the chain.

• Agree a delivery plan.

A risk assessment needs to be performed before the start of work. The duty holders are: • the supplier • the carrier • the recipient Each duty holder must assess the delivery and collection risks and reduce them as far as reasonably practicable.

Employers should: • Identify all manual handling tasks from beginning to end — eliminating them where possible.

• Identify whether mechanical aids can be provided, who will provide them and what training is required.

• Ensure lifting equipment is used by a competent person, and supervised. It must be maintained and inspected regularly.

• Consider load security in transit.

• Consider how falls will be prevented or risks reduced. Is fall arrest equipment required?

• Consider if sheeting and unsheeting are required. Is there an on-vehicle device or could the site provide gantry equipment?

• Consider the environments: load areas should be isolated and adequately lit, with minimal pedestrian access. it Eliminate reversing where possible— hut where it is not, ensure the availability of a banksman.

• Ensure a method statement for delivery is agreed in advance. 0 Ensure drivers are physically and mentally fit to drive, are competent to do their jobs and hold valid and up-todate qualifications.

Implement a safe system of work, train employees and involve them with the risk assessment. Ensure that drivers are familiar with safe loading and unloading procedures and that they have been warned as to the site requiremenls they must comply with and the hazards they may be exposed to on and off site. Devise a simple checklist to help drivers identify that safety measures are in place and provide a point of contact for them if they get into any difficulties while off site.

Transport risks, falls from height, slips, trips and manual handling are priority areas for the HSE. Failure to comply with regulations can result in heavy fines and imprisonment, with Traffic Commissioners also holding the power to revoke 0-licences.

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