Question

explain the criteria you will set for the risk assessment done to prevent possible vehicle accident?

Answer 1

Answer:

Introduction

Workplace transport is important to most businesses, whether it be a retail outlet, a farm or a large manufacturing plant, they all rely on workplace transport to move products, materials or people from one place to another. Workplace transport is the second biggest cause of fatal accidents in the workplace and accounts for about a third of all workplace fatalities. This article will elaborate on the most common types of accidents and how to prevent them.

Common accidents

Workplace transport is the second biggest cause of fatal accidents in the workplace and accounts for about a third of all workplace fatalities. Although differences in reporting systems make EU-wide comparisons difficult, UK data for example shows being struck by a moving vehicle as one of the biggest causes of workplace fatalities in the high-risk agriculture sector[1]. The most common causes of injury are: moving vehicles hitting or running over people, people falling off workplace vehicles, workplace vehicles overturning and objects falling off workplace vehicles.

People being hit or run over by vehicles

People being hit or run over by vehicles in the workplace is an all too common occurrence, which can have very serious consequences. In many cases the victim of such incidents had no need to be in the vicinity of moving vehicles and good traffic management could have prevented the accident. It is important to segregate pedestrians and vehicles wherever possible by clearly defining walkways and vehicle routes. These should ideally incorporate physical barriers to keep pedestrians and vehicles apart. Where pedestrians need to be in close proximity to vehicles it is important to ensure that there is good lighting and that pedestrians wear high visibility clothing to make them easier for the driver to see. Reversing is a particularly hazardous manoeuvre, which should be avoided if possible by introducing one way systems and drive through load bays. Alternatively vehicles can be fitted with rearward facing cameras or ultrasonic reversing sensors to alert drivers to obstacles in their path.

Falls from vehicles

Falls from vehicles is the main cause of major injury and much can be done to minimise the risks. Some vehicle cabs and load areas can be a significant distance from the ground and access can be precarious due to inadequate steps and handrails, or a complete lack thereof. Furthermore, drivers and staff involved in loading/unloading may need to climb onto the load, which could be uneven, slippery, and over 5 metres from the ground. Vehicle surfaces can become slippery if contaminated by substances such as, diesel, water and oil, and the ropes, straps and lashing points that are used to secure loads, can present a trip hazard. People can also lose their bearings when working on vehicle beds and misjudge where the edge of the vehicle is, resulting in them stepping back off the vehicle and into ‘thin air’. To minimise the risk of falls, a safe means to board and alight the vehicle should be provided, i.e. suitable steps and handrails providing safe access to the parts of the vehicle that are regularly worked on. Slip resistant surfaces should also be used and where possible, working at height should be avoided by employing automated sheeting devices and loading platforms.

Vehicle overturns

Workplace vehicle overturns can occur if the vehicle’s centre of gravity is compromised by a shift in weight. This is typically caused by either an erratic manoeuvre, or if the ground is uneven or sloped. These effects can be exacerbated by an unevenly distributed or poorly secured load and high velocity. Ideally the vehicles centre of gravity should be as close to the ground as possible and loads should be evenly distributed and secured to prevent a sudden shift in weight. Where practicable vehicles should be operated on smooth level surfaces and appropriate roll over protection should be provided. Careful consideration should be given to tipping and lifting operations as these can raise a vehicle’s centre of gravity and make it more unstable.

Objects falling off workplace vehicle

Objects falling off workplace vehicle can include parts of the load that have become dislodged during transit, parts of the vehicle that are poorly fitted or damaged, or extraneous items, such as forgotten tools that have left behind after maintenance work. These accidents can be avoided by segregating vehicles and pedestrians and providing a roofed cab for the driver. Drivers and staff involved in loading and unloading should be trained how to safely deal with loads that may have shifted during transit and should be provided appropriate personal protective equipment, such as hard hats.