Workplace transport in ports

Most transport-related accidents in ports are serious or fatal. Vehicle drivers from many employers use ports. Not all of these drivers will be familiar with the port environment. Workplace transport safety will only be managed properly if everyone works together.

Typical workplace transport hazards in ports

• Loading and unloading of vehicles
• Movement of vehicles and other plant on the dockside
• Trailer coupling and uncoupling on the dockside and on the ship
• Vehicle/pedestrian access, eg ro-ro bridges and vessel ramps
• Reversing vehicles on ro-ro decks
• Movement of vehicles in container storage areas and lorry parks

How the risks can be reduced

These can be grouped under ‘Safe site, Safe vehicle, Safe driver’. You need to deal with all three of these to ensure good control of workplace transport risks.

Safe site

• Every workplace should be safe for the people and vehicles using it.
• Provide appropriate road signs and markings.
• Vehicles and pedestrians should be separated where they share the same workspace. This may involve excluding pedestrians from certain areas or providing separate pedestrian routes.

Safe vehicle

• Vehicles should be safe, provided with suitable visibility aids, regularly maintained, repaired and inspected.

Safe driver

• All drivers should be fit and competent to operate all the vehicles they use at work.
• Workers should follow safe working practices.
• Management should monitor these practices.

Which laws apply?

• The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

Further information

• Publications and guidance - Workplace transport