A company has recently been fined £84,000 with costs of £5,633.69 as a result of a delivery taking place on the premises and a load toppling over and landing on an employee. The employee suffered multiple fractures and internal injuries.
The HSE investigation found there was a lack of control over vehicle movements, an absence of safe walkways and a lack of segregation between vehicles and pedestrians.
The HSE also added that this incident could have easily been prevented by simply reviewing the risks from transport and keeping vehicles and people apart. This is a reminder to take suitable action to control the risks from transport in the workplace.
Make sure your general risk assessment identifies risks which can occur anywhere on the premises. This considering places such as car parks, entrances and delivery areas.
The Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations specify the requirement to have sufficient traffic routes for both pedestrians and vehicles which allow safe movement, with the best approach using
entirely separate routes for each. However, if people and vehicles have to share traffic routes, use kerbs, barriers or clear markings to designate a safe walkway which is well lit. Where pedestrians need to cross a vehicle route, provide clearly marked crossing points with good visibility.
As it is often difficult for delivery drivers to see behind their vehicle when they are reversing; as far as possible, traffic routes should be planned so that drivers do not need to reverse by introducing a one-way system or dedicated drive-through loading area.
Ensure that your current procedures for deliveries and collections are arranged safely and without risk to pedestrians.