This article reviews the new guidance book, published by the UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which aims to reduce the number of accidents involving vehicles at construction sites. Annual casualties from these accidents in the UK currently average 15 fatalities and 700 injuries. The guidance supports the HSE's three-year workplace transport safety campaign, and provides specific advice on measures to control vehicle operations at construction sites. It is intended for all those who are responsible for managing transport risks on construction sites, including principal contractors, planning supervisors, and vehicle drivers. It shows how to prevent construction vehicle accidents by effective management based on risk assessment. Most of these accidents occur because transport activities are inadequately planned and controlled. They include: (1) collisions of vehicles and their loads with people, especially when vehicles reverse; (2) disregard of manufacturers' instructions for safe vehicle operation; (3) insufficient training of drivers and signaller's; and (4) unsafe loading and transportation of materials. Ways of reducing risks include separating pedestrians and vehicles, and selecting vehicles carefully, for example by allowing for their load and stability limits.
Samenvatting