CASE STUDIES
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It's not only the public that operators must protect against transport-related risks. Employees are also subject to a great many dangers while working away from their depot, hub or company.The HSE can provide many case studies, but two that are pertinent for the road transport industry include unsafe unloading in a residential area and work carried out near a school.
Unsafe unloading
A textile manufacturing and distribution company took deliveries of fabric and garments. The truck driver delivered a consignment packed in roll cages. He moved the goods unaided then stepped out from the rear of his vehicle as another LGV was passing. He was hit, knocked back into his truck and later died in hospital.
A judge found that the loading area was unsatisfactory.The company has now created a dedicated parking bay for deliveries, which ensures vehicles are off the road during loading and unloading. The HSE says areas for skip storage and road markings have also been created and the installation of floodlights makes delivery drivers more visible while they are working.
Construction near school
A building site was situated near a school for the construction of a traffic management scheme during school holidays.
A boy cut through the site on his way to play football on the playing fields, taking the route he normally took during term time. A dumper driver failed to spot him and the boy was hit by the vehicle. Both his legs were broken and he required extensive surgery and physiotherapy.