HSE warns about transport risks

The transport industry continues to have one of the worst records for major injuries as a result of falls from vehicles during the loading and unloading of goods. Figures released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in 2004/05 showed that transport accounted for 31% of all workplace fatalities. With an estimated 3 million people in Great Britain working with vehicles as part of their normal working day, the HSE has announced an ongoing campaign to warn workers to take sensible precautions to minimise risks. The latest focus is to make sure they do not set themselves up for a fall.

Speaking about the current campaign, newly appointed Chair of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC), Judith Hackitt said, "Every year 2,000 workers are seriously injured after falling from their vehicle. It is vital that those who work in the transport industry take this issue seriously. Last year four workers actually lost their lives after falling from their truck or lorry and the cost of these deaths and serious injuries to the industry is in excess of £35 million a year."

The awareness campaign aims to help those who are responsible for buying and managing workplace vehicles by providing simple steps that can be taken to improve the safety of vehicles. For example:

• vehicles should be well maintained and checked regularly;
• procedures for loading and unloading should avoid the need to work at height where possible;
• floor surfaces should be anti-slip when possible, with slip-resistant footwear provided otherwise;
• if work at height is unavoidable, steps, platforms and other safety equipment should be provided.

Further information on this campaign is available at www.hse.gov.uk/fallsfromvehicles/index.htm.