Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

9.5 
Control strategies for safe vehicle 
operations
Any control strategy involving vehicle operations will 
involve a risk assessment to ascertain where, on traffi c 
routes, accidents are most likely to happen. It is import-
ant that the risk assessment examines both internal and 
external traffi c routes, particularly when goods are loaded 
and unloaded from lorries. It should also assess whether 
designated traffi c routes are suitable for the purpose and 
suffi cient for the volume of traffi c.
The following needs to be addressed:
➤
traffi c routes, loading and storage areas need to be 
well designed with enforced speed limits, good visi-
bility and the separation of vehicles and pedestrians 
whenever reasonably practicable
➤
environmental considerations, such as visibility, road 
surface conditions, road gradients and changes in 
road level, must also be taken into account
➤
the use of one-way systems and separate site access 
gates for vehicles and pedestrians may be required
➤
the safety of members of the public must be con-
sidered, particularly where vehicles cross public 
footpaths
➤
all external roadways must be appropriately marked, 
particularly where there could be doubt on right of 
way, and suitable direction and speed limit signs 
erected along the roadways. While there may well 
be a difference between internal and external speed 
limits, it is important that all speed limits are observed
➤
induction training for all new employees must include 
the location and designation of pedestrian walkways 
and crossings and the location of areas in the factory 
Figure 9.6
Industrial counter-balanced lift truck.

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Movement of people and vehicles – hazards and control
137
where pedestrians and fork lift trucks use the same 
roadways
➤
the 
identifi cation of recognized and prohibited park-
ing areas around the site should also be given dur-
ing these training sessions.