Workplace Transport Safety: Vehicles, Sites and Drivers
Managing the movement of vehicles, mobile equipment and pedestrians within work premises is one of the most overlooked yet serious safety challenges. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), each year there are thousands of incidents involving workplace transport — many of which are preventable.
Legal Duties & Key Regulations
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 employers are required to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable that work activities do not endanger the health and safety of employees or others. Vehicle and pedestrian interactions within workplaces fall under this duty. Specific regulation includes maintaining safe traffic routes, vehicle suitability, operator competence and appropriate supervision.
Three Pillars of Workplace Transport Risk Management
HSE groups workplace-transport risk control into three core areas: Safe site, Safe vehicle and Safe driver. Addressing all three is essential to reduce collisions, fatalities and major injuries.
Safe Site Design and Management
A clearly-designed site helps separate vehicles from pedestrians, establish traffic routes, minimise reversing risks and control loading/unloading zones. Practical measures include one-way systems, barriers, signage, level firm surfaces and segregated walkways.
Safe Vehicles
Vehicles should be appropriate for the task, well maintained, equipped with safety aids (e.g., reversing alarms, mirrors, load restraints), and inspected regularly. Mechanical faults and unsecured loads are major contributing factors to transport-related accidents.
Safe Drivers and Operators
Operators must be competent, trained and supervised. Risk assessments should include driver licence checks, familiarity with equipment, fatigue management and control of distractions. Reversing incidents alone account for a large share of workplace transport accidents.
Risk Assessment & Control Measures
A structured risk assessment should identify all vehicle-related hazards and evaluate who might be harmed and how. Key tasks include:
- Mapping traffic routes, pedestrian crossings and vehicle zones
- Separating vehicle and pedestrian movements where possible
- Setting speed limits and installing traffic-calming features
- Ensuring visibility, lighting and signage are adequate
- Ensuring vehicles are suitable and loads secured
- Training drivers and enforcing safe behaviour
Training and Competence Requirements
Employees involved in workplace transport activities should receive training tailored to their role. This may include: vehicle operation, pedestrian safety awareness, reversing-aid use, site-specific traffic rules, and load-securement. Regular refresher training, supervision and observation help ensure standards remain high.
Monitoring, Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement
Monitoring systems should include vehicle inspection logs, driver performance reviews, incident and near-miss reports, and regular audits of site and traffic routes. Thorough investigation of incidents helps identify root causes and prevent future re-occurrence. A proactive transport-safety culture often leads to improved morale, fewer accidents and lower costs.
Recommended Training Courses
- Workplace Transport Safety Training
- IOSH Managing Safely
- Defensive Driving for Work
- Site Traffic & Pedestrian Management
By addressing site design, vehicle safety and driver competence together, organisations can significantly reduce workplace transport risk, protect employees and visitors, and remain compliant with UK health and safety legislation.