'Don't set yourself up for a fall' says HSE

E037:07 17 October 2007

The transport industry continues to have one of the worst records for major injuries due to falls from vehicles during the loading and unloading of goods. Figures released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in 2004/05 showed that transport accounted for 31% of all workplace fatalities.

With an estimated three million people in Great Britain working with vehicles as part of their normal job, HSE's ongoing workplace transport campaign warns workers to take sensible precautions to minimise risks in all vehicle related work. The latest focus is to ensure they do not set themselves up for a fall.

Marking the current awareness campaign, Judith Hackitt, Chair of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) said, "Every year 2000 workers are seriously injured after falling from their vehicle. It is vital that those who work in the transport industry take this issue seriously. Last year four workers actually lost their lives after falling from their truck or lorry and the cost of these deaths and serious injuries to the industry is in excess of £35 million a year."

"A majority of falls lead to serious injuries that affect workers and their families. Simple sensible precautions can avoid these incidents and the distress they cause. Those who buy and manage the many fleets of workplace vehicles up and down the country have an opportunity to set a real leadership example."

The awareness campaign aims to help those who are responsible for buying and managing workplace vehicles with simple steps that can be taken to improve the safety of vehicles:

• Vehicles should be well maintained and checked regularly
• Procedures for loading and unloading should avoid the need to work at height where possible
• Floor surfaces should be anti slip when possible, or, slip-resistant footwear provided
• If work at height is unavoidable steps, platforms and other safety equipment should be provided

Extensive guidance and advice, including safety checklists, is available to vehicle buyers, managers and workers on the interactive falls from vehicles homepage.

Notes to editors

1. The objective of HSE's Workplace Transport Programme is a 10% reduction in major, fatal and "three day" injuries arising from Workplace Transport incidents, by 2010. Reducing the number of falls from vehicles is a key part of HSE's Workplace Transport Programme.
2. The 'Falls from Vehicles' Campaign interactive website contains a range of useful information including information sheets covering the basics of preventing falls; specifying the right equipment; selecting vehicle flooring materials and footwear, and case studies that give examples of good practice. More information is available at hse.gov.uk/fallsfromvehicles/index.htm
3. The 'Falls from Vehicles' campaign has been timed to run alongside the 'Moving Goods Safely' targeted inspection initiative. The 'Moving Goods Safely' initiative concentrates on risks to employees from workplace transport, manual handling, slips and trips and working at heights. HSE and LA inspectors will work on joint inspections, which primarily provide an opportunity for employers and staff to get advice on good working practices. However, if they discover serious examples of bad working practice they can take enforcement action. More information is available at hse.gov.uk/movinggoods/index.htm
4. HSE construction division are also running a 'Falls from Vehicles' campaign with focused inspections in the construction industry in October, November and December 2007. In addition a number of educational and promotional events have been arranged in partnership with industry. More information is available at hse.gov.uk/construction/campaigns/falls2007/fallscampaign.htm

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