E163:05 14 December 2005

HSE publishes up to date guidance on safe operation of vehicles in the workplace

Workplace Transport Safety: An Employers’ Guide (HSG136) was launched by HSE at the Health and Safety Partnership Conference held today at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London.

The comprehensive guidance provides advice on all aspects of workplace transport operations. Although primarily aimed at managers and supervisors, it is equally useful for safety and union representatives, contractors, the self-employed and employees.

Announcing its publication Carol Grainger, head of HSE’s Workplace Transport Team, said: “ Workplace transport is the second biggest cause of incidents in the workplace, accounting for about 70 fatalities each year. The majority of these accidents are preventable. Reducing these casualties is an important priority in the HSE’s work programme.

“The guide gives detailed advice on the key risks surrounding transport use in today's workplaces, and how to get to grips with controlling them. There’s also a free booklet which provides an extensive overview of the subject, enabling those responsible for workplace transport to identify any areas of their operations where further help might be required”.

The guide 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 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.

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 that should be considered when planning workplace transport operations. Arranged similarly to An Employers’ Guide, the 27-page booklet also includes specific sections about workplace organisation and operations. The booklet can be downloaded from the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/tranindx.htm

Notes to Editors

• Copies of Workplace Transport Safety: An Employers’ Guide, ISBN 0 7176 6154 7, price £11.50, are available from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, tel: 01787-881165 or fax: 01787-313995. Priced publications are also available from good booksellers.
• Copies of Workplace Transport Safety: An Overview, INDG199(rev1) are available from HSE Books, as well as from the website given above.
• Workplace transport means any vehicle that is used in a work setting. It specifically excludes transport on the public highway; air, rail or water transport, and specialised transport used in underground mining.
• The four main types of workplace transport accidents which employers and the self employed need to prevent are:
  • moving vehicles hitting or running over people;
  • people falling off vehicles;
  • vehicles overturning; and
  • objects falling off vehicles
• Further information and guidance on ensuring workplace transport operations are carried out safely can be found on the HSE website at: www.hse.gov.uk/workplacetransport/index.htm
• HSE and Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS) are holding the annual Health and Safety Partnership Conference at Queen Elizabeth II Conference II Conference Centre, Westminster, on 14 December 2005. The Minister with responsibility for health and safety, Lord Hunt, will give the keynote address and the focus of this year’s event will be the current and future opportunities and challenges for the LA/HSE partnership, including the Better Regulation Agenda. Further information on the conference can be viewed at: www.lacors.gov.uk/pages/trade/ConferenceDetails.asp?C_ID=96

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