Traffic management on construction sites – Are you doing enough?
The HSE has just launched new guidance on traffic management on construction sites.
It is estimated about 7 workers die each year as a result of accidents involving vehicles or mobile plant on construction sites; a further 93 are seriously injured. Accidents occur from ground works to finishing works and managers, workers, visitors to sites and members of the public can all be at risk.
CDM 2007 states that you must organise a construction site so that vehicles and pedestrians using site routes can move around safely; routes need to be suitable for the persons or vehicles using them, in suitable positions and sufficient in number and size.
Consider both cars, vans, lorries, low-loaders and mobile plant such as excavators, lift trucks and site dumpers
The key message is: construction site vehicle incidents can and should be prevented by the effective management of transport operations throughout the construction process.
Key issues in dealing with traffic management on site are:
- Keeping pedestrians and vehicles apart
- Minimising vehicle movement
- People on site
- Turning vehicles
- Visibility
- Signs & instructions
Inadequate planning and control is the root cause of many construction vehicle accidents; this can usually be avoided by careful planning, particularly at the design stage, and by controlling vehicle operations during construction work.
Want to know more about how you can reduce risk on site – why not call Andrew today on 01302 351975 or 07870 777303 to arrange a FREE consultation.
