The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a stark reminder to both the public and private sectors over managing on-site pedestrian and vehicle movements, after a man was crushed to death at a recycling plant in Wales.
Recycling firm Amber Services Ltd was fined £112,000 and ordered to pay costs of £36,000 by Cardiff Crown Court, after being prosecuted by the HSE over the incident.
An HSE spokesman said: ‘Workplace transport is a major cause of workplace deaths. As such, all employers should look at how they manage and plan their traffic movements on-site, to ensure there is good segregation between pedestrians and vehicles.
‘This case (Amber Services Ltd) is not a precedent, but it should act as a clear reminder to follow sensible health and safety precautions in the public as well as private sectors.’
The HSE advised pedestrians, including yard staff, should be kept segregated from moving vehicles, where practical with physical barriers, unless they were acting as the 'banksman' in order to direct the vehicles movements - then they should always be in view of the driver.
HSE officials also point out that vehicles can be fitted with CCTV and reversing systems to help with blind spot areas.
Further guidance, including on how sites could be laid out to minimise risk, is available on the HSE website - http://www.hse.gov.uk/
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
