Health and Safety
Executive / Commission
Press releases
HSE/125/SWW/08 28 February 2008
From forklift trucks to articulated lorries - transport in the workplace can pose a risk to employees and the public. Next month, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will be holding free events at Corus’ Llanwern site in Newport, aimed at offering advice to haulage and distribution companies on managing this risk.
The events, which are being run jointly with local authorities in South East Wales, are a must for any business which has to manage transport in a work environment, and will include practical advice on risk assessment, as well as demonstrations including forklift safety, racking in warehouses and new technology such as CCTV reversing aids.
HSE Principal Inspector, Michael Thomas said: "We are often called to investigate incidents across Wales where people have been injured or killed by moving vehicles in a workplace, and across Britain it remains the second biggest cause of fatalities.
"Transport related incidents also account for around 2,500 major injuries each year, which has a financial cost to businesses in terms of lost working days, and penalties through enforcement action.
"What many companies fail to realise is that preventative measures are often extremely simple to implement, providing they focus on the three key principles of safe site, safe driver and safe vehicles.
"This event will provide guidance from people already working in the industry, including how to prevent lost working days which cost the industry a considerable amount of money each year."
Traffic Commissioner Nick Jones, who is responsible for regulating and licensing of HGV operators said: "Safety is a major part of my role, so I fully support this event and urge all operators in Wales to sign up for it.
"Heavy goods operators with criminal convictions for breaching health and safety legislation may find themselves before me to explain their failings, and I am able to take action against their licence which could effectively mean they were not able to operate HGVs."
There will be two, one-day events on March 11th and 12th, at the Corus site in Llanwern, Newport. Following the events HSE and the local authorities will carry out spot checks at haulage and distribution companies to ensure safety standards are being observed.
Stephen Pearce, Health & Safety Manager, Corus Strip Products UK said:
"We are pleased to be joining forces with the HSE in raising awareness of health and safety issues in the transport sector. As one of the highest volume freight carriers in Wales, health and safety in this area is a major priority to us and also our industry partners - our suppliers, contractors and customers."
Companies wishing to book a place on either event should contact Helen Taylor on 02920 263056 or email helen.taylor@hse.gsi.gov.uk
HSE InfoLine, Tel: 0845 345 0055, visit: hse.gov.uk/contact
or write to: HSE InfoLine, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG.
0844 800 6823.
Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by Government News Network Wales.