What does the law say?
The law says that construction sites must be organised so that vehicles and pedestrians using site routes can move around safely. The routes need to be suitable for the persons or vehicles using them, in suitable positions and sufficient in number and size. The term ‘vehicles’ includes; cars, vans, lorries, low-loaders and mobile plant such as excavators, lift trucks and site dumpers etc.
What you need to know
Each year within the construction industry, approximately ten people die as a result of being struck by vehicles on site. In addition, there are hundreds of preventable accidents and injuries.
The key issues in dealing with traffic management on site are:
¨ Keeping pedestrians and vehicles apart.
¨ Minimising vehicle movements.
¨ People on site.
¨ Turning vehicles.
¨ Visibility.
¨ Signs and instructions.
Keeping pedestrians and vehicles apart
Inadequate separation of pedestrians and vehicles is the cause of the majority of construction transport accidents.
This can usually be avoided by careful planning, particularly at the design stage and by controlling vehicle operations during construction work.
Minimising vehicle movements
Good planning can help to minimise vehicle movement around a site. For example, landscaping to reduce the quantities of fill or spoil movement.
People on site
Employers should take steps to make sure that all workers are fit and competent to operate the vehicles, machines and attachments they use on site.
Turning vehicles
The need for vehicles to reverse should be avoided where possible as reversing is a major cause of fatal accidents.
One-way systems can reduce the risk, especially in storage areas.
A turning circle could be installed so that vehicles can turn without reversing.
Visibility
If vehicles reverse in areas where pedestrians cannot be excluded, the risk is elevated, and visibility becomes a vital consideration.
Signs and instructions
Make sure that all drivers and pedestrians know and understand the routes and traffic rules on site. Use standard road signs where appropriate and provide induction health-and-safety-training for drivers, workers and visitors. Send instructions out to visitors before their visit.
The HSE have published guidance regarding traffic management on site and can be found by following the links below;
A guide to workplace transport safety
Workplace transport safety – a brief guide