Every year accidents involving transport result in people being killed or seriously injured. People fall off vehicles, or are struck or crushed by them. Many different people drive in docks – this includes drivers from a number of different employers and members of the public. Not all of these drivers will be familiar with the dock environment.
Typical workplace transport hazards in ports
- Movement of vehicles and other plant on and around the dock
- Loading and unloading of vehicles
- Unsecured loads on vehicles
- Trailer coupling and uncoupling in the dock and on the ship
- Unsegregated vehicle/pedestrian access, eg ro-ro bridges and vessel ramps
- Reversing vehicles throughout the dock including adjacent to open quay edges
- Movement of vehicles in cargo storage areas, vehicle parks, ships' holds and quaysides
- Use of vehicles with limited visibility, including straddle carriers and reach stackers
Which laws apply?
- The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
Further information
DfT/DVLA - At a glance guide to the current medical standards of fitness to drive
Port Skills and Safety website for guidance on: