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Element 8
General Workplace Issues
This Chapter shall cover following NEBOSH learning objectives.

8.1 Health, Welfare and Work Environment

 Health and Welfare-Introduction
 The Effects of Exposure to Extremes of Temperature; Control
measures

8.2 Working at Height

 Introduction
 What Affects Risk From Working at Height, Including Vertical
Distance, Fragile Roofs, Deterioration of Materials, Unprotected
Edges, Unstable/Poorly Maintained Access Equipment, Weather
And Falling Materials
 Hierarchy for Selecting Equipment for Working Safely at Height
 Main Precautions Necessary to Prevent Falls and Falling
Materials, Including Proper Planning and Supervision of Work,
Avoiding Working In Adverse Weather Conditions
 Emergency Rescue
 Provision of Training, Instruction and Other Measures
 General Precautions When Using Common Forms of Work
Equipment to Prevent Falls
 Prevention of Falling Materials Through Safe Stacking and
Storage

8.3 Safe Working in Confined Space

 Types of Confined Spaces and Why They are Dangerous
 The Main Hazards Associated With Working Within A Confined
Space
 What Should be Considered When Assessing Risks From A
Confined Space
 The Precautions to Be Included In A Safe System of Work for
Confined Spaces
 When A Permit-To-Work for Confined Spaces Would not be
Required

8.4 Lone Working

 What a lone worker is and typical examples of lone working
 Particular hazards of lone working

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 Control measures for lone working

 What should be considered when assessing risks of lone working

8.5 Slips and Trips

 Common Causes of Slips and Trips, Including: Uneven or
Unsuitable Surfaces, Trailing Cables, Obstructions In Walkways,
Unsuitable Footwear
 Main Control Measures For Slips And Trips, Including

8.6 Safe Movement of People and Vehicle in the Workplace

 Hazards to Pedestrians
 Hazards From Workplace Transport Operations
 Control Measures to Manage Workplace Transport

8.7 Work Related Driving

 Managing Work-Related Driving
 Work-Related Driving Control Measures
 Hazards Associated With the Use of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

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sufficient water, soap and towels must be

provided close to the sanitary facilities as
8.1 Health, Welfare and 
possible.
Sanitation arrangements: Special
Work Environment provision should be made for disabled
workers and there should normally be
Requirements separate facilities for men and women.
 Changing Room: When the work activity
requires employees to change into specialist
Health and Welfare- clothing
Introduction  Accommodation for clothing: Where
People are most often involved in accidents workers are required to wear special or
protective clothing, arrangements should be
as they walk around the workplace or when they
such that the worker‘s own clothing is not
come into contact with vehicles in or around the contaminated by any hazardous substances.
workplace.  Eating and rest rooms: Provided and
maintained in a clean condition and be
It is therefore important to understand the sufficient to meet the number who will use
various common accident causes and the control the facility at any one time
strategies that can be employed to reduce them. Slips,  Mother / Child care: Facilities should also
trips and falls account for the majority of accidents to be provided for pregnant women and
pedestrians and the more serious accidents between nursing mothers to rest
 First-aid arrangements: Basic first aid
pedestrians and vehicles can often be traced back to
arrangement must be available at workplace.
excessive speed or other unsafe vehicle practices,
such as lack of driver training. Many of the risks
associated with these hazards can be significantly
Work Environment
reduced by an effective management system. Requirements
The working environment should be free from
Over the last 20 years, psychological ill-health and risks.
hazards have been included among the occupational
health hazards faced by many workers. This is now  Ventilation: Every enclosed workplace
the most rapidly expanding area of occupational should be ventilated by a sufficient quantity
health and includes topics such as mental health and of fresh or purified air and the fresh air
workplace stress, violence to staff, passive smoking, should be free of contaminants such as
vehicle exhaust fumes or boiler chimney
drugs and alcohol.
emissions.

Welfare Provision  Space to work: Adequate space to work and

The provision of facilities to maintain the health performed the task safely
and well-being of individual at the workplaces.
 Heating and temperature: During working
Welfare facilities include: hours, the temperature in all workplaces
inside buildings shall be reasonable (not
 Drinking Water: Workers must be uncomfortably high or low). ‘Reasonable‘ is
provided drinking water facility at their usually defined as at least 16°C, unless
workplace. The supply of drinking water much of the work involves severe physical
must be adequate and wholesome. Normally effort in which case the temperature should
mains water is provided and should be be at least 13°C
marked as ―drinking water‖ potable with
drinking vessels  Lighting: Every workplace shall have
 Washing facilities: with respect again to the suitable and sufficient lighting and this shall
number of persons employed and the type of be natural lighting so far as is reasonably
work undertaken-A good supply of practicable.

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 Workstations: Workstations should be

arranged so that work may be safely and
comfortably. The worker should be at
suitable height relative to the work surface
and there should be no need for undue
bending and stretching. Workers must not be
expected to stand for long periods of time,
particularly on solid floors.

 Seating-The seat should, where possible,

provide adequate support for the lower back
and a footrest be provided for any worker
whose feet cannot be placed flat on the The Effects of Exposure to
floor.
Extremes of Temperature;
 Other Factors: The condition of floors,
stairways and traffic routes should be Control Measures
suitable for the purpose and well maintained
and undue space constraints anywhere in the Exposure of Extremes of Heat /
workplace should be avoided
Low Temperature
If the surroundings are hot, sweating will
allow heat loss to take place by evaporation caused
by air movement over the skin. On the other hand, if
the surroundings are cold, shivering causes internal
muscular activity, which generates body heat.
The temperature of the body is normally
around 37°C, and it will attempt to maintain this
temperature irrespective of the temperature of the
surroundings. The human body is very sensitive to
relatively small changes in external temperatures.

Working outdoors in Working under low

extreme heat causes Temperature (cold)
Burns, Hypothermia
Damage to the eyes frostbite
Skin cancer, slip hazards
Dehydration Cold burn / Freeze burn
injury,
Heat exhaustion,
Heat stroke, Fatigue and
Stress.
Sweat rash,
Prickly heat,
Headaches
Fainting,
Fatigue and
Stress.

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Preventive Measures

High Temperature (Hot

Environment)
The control measures that could be used to reduce the
effects of the sun on workers include:
 Limiting the duration of exposure by job
rotation ensuring periods of work are
alternated with periods of rest;
 Avoiding work when temperatures are at
their highest;
 Ensuring an adequate supply of drinking
water;
 The use of appropriate clothing for working
in high temperatures
 Persuading workers to adopt a policy of
keeping their bodies covered;
 Encouraging workers to maintain their salt
levels;
 Working under canopies where this is
possible;
 Wearing hats and eye protection and
 Applying sun protection cream.

Low Temperature (Cold

Environment)
 Decide whether the work might be delayed
until the weather got warmer without
compromising safety.
 If this was not possible - personal protective
clothing appropriate for the environmental
conditions would have to be issued to the
workers.
 Workers should be allowed to take more
frequent rest breaks in heated facilities and
encouraged to drink warm fluids such as
soup.
 Workers should also be given advice on
recognizing the symptoms of cold stress, on
how the effects of hand arm vibration
syndrome might be exacerbated by working
in cold weather and on the precautions to be
taken
 Under these conditions, thick, warm
(thermal) clothing, the provision of hot
drinks and external heating will be required.
For those who work in sub-zero
temperatures, such as cold store workers

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 work carried out at a private house by a

8.2 Working at Height person employed for the purpose, for
example a painter and decorator (but not if
What Affects Risk From the private individual carries out work on
their own home).
Working at Height, Including
Vertical Distance, Fragile
Roofs, Deterioration of
Materials, Unprotected Edges,
Unstable/Poorly Maintained
Access Equipment, Weather
and Falling Materials
Working at height includes all work
activities where there is a need to control a risk of
falling a distance liable to cause personal injury.

This is regardless of the work equipment

being used, the duration of the work at height
involved or the height at which the work is
performed.

It includes access to and egress from a place

of work and therefore includes Hazards Associated with
 working on a scaffold or from a mobile
Working at Height
elevating work platform (MEWP);
These are the most common cause of serious
 sheeting a lorry or dipping a road tanker;
injury or death in the construction industry. These
 working on the top of a container in docks
accidents are often concerned with falls of greater
or on a ship or storage area;
than about 2 m and often result in fractured bones,
 tree surgery and other forestry work at
serious head injuries, loss of consciousness and
height;
death.
 using cradles or rope for access to a building
or other structure like a ship under repair;
The main risks associated with working at height are:
 climbing permanent structures like a gantry
 The worker falling from different height
or telephone pole;
 An objects falling onto people body
 working near an excavation area or cellar
opening if a person could fall into it and be Such hazards causes higher chances of fatalities and
injured; it can results in –
 painting or pasting and erecting bill posters
at height;  Death
 work on staging or trestles, for example for  Neck or spinal injury
filming or events;  brain (head injury) damage
 using a ladder/stepladder or kick stool for  Multiple fractures / multiple broken bones
shelf filling, window cleaning and the like;  Blood loss
 using man riding harnesses in ship repair, or
offshore or steeple jack work
 working in a mine shaft or chimney

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There must be suitable means of access such

Hierarchy for Selecting as scaffolding, ladders and crawling boards;
Equipment for Working Safely suitable barriers, guard rails or covers where
people work near to fragile materials and roof lights;
at Height and suitable warning signs indicating that a roof is
fragile should be on display at ground level.
The Risk Factors for Working at
Height Sloping roofs (Pitched Roofs)
The roofs with pitch greater than 10 degree
Vertical Distance like Roofs: are hazardous sloping roofs. Falls from edges of
sloping roofs generally cause serious injury or
Roof work involves construction,
permanent disability or death.
maintenance, cleaning, etc.

The significance of injuries resulting from

falls from height, such as fatalities and other major
injuries. Some main hazards involved in working at
height, includes-

 Fragile roofs and surfaces

 Deterioration of materials,
 Unprotected edges
 Falling materials.
 Weather and Deterioration of materials
 Unstable or poorly maintained access A general deterioration of the roof through
equipment - as ladders and various types of ageing, neglect and lack of maintenance and
scaffold. following factors mainly-

Fragile roofs and surfaces  corrosion of cladding and fixings;

Roof work, particularly work on pitched  quality of the original installation and
roofs, is hazardous and requires a specific risk selection of materials;
assessment and methods statement prior to the  thermal and impact damage;
commencement of work.  deterioration of the supporting structure; and
 Weather damage.

In such deterioration of materials of roof cause

hazards in following ways-

 The roof material breaking when workers

puts their weights on it, causing fall from
height at surface cause severe injuries
 the roof materials breaking off and falling
on to the people

Unprotected edges
Fragile Roofs: Particular hazards are fragile
During working at height, where the edges
roofing materials, including those materials which
of surfaces are open are known as unprotected edges.
deteriorate and become more brittle with age and
the risk of falls or falling objects is generally high.
exposure to sunlight, exposed edges, unsafe access
equipment and falls from girders, ridges or purling. Mainly in general roofs, elevated walkways,
scaffolding and access platform unprotected edges

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may exists. Therefore, guardrails, fencing, fall  The use of fencing, guard rails, toe boards,
protection etc., shall be required to prevent any working platforms, access boards,
accidents.  ladder safety nets
 safety harnesses.
Main Precautions Necessary to  Safety harnesses arrest the fall by
restricting the fall to a given distance due to
Prevent Falls and Falling the fixing of the harness to a point on an
ad‖ rigid structure. They should only be
Materials, Including Proper used when all possibilities are not practical.
Planning and Supervision of
Those responsible for work at height should ensure
Work, Avoiding Working in that:
Adverse Weather Conditions  all work at height is properly planned and
organized
 those involved in work at height are
Controlling the Risks of Working
competent;
at Height:  The risks from work at height are assessed,
The employer should apply a three-stage and appropriate work equipment is selected
hierarchy to all work which is to be carried out at and used;
height.  the risks of working on or near fragile
surfaces are properly managed; and
The three steps are:  the equipment used for work at height is
properly inspected and maintained.
 The avoidance of work at height,
 The prevention of workers from falling and
The following hierarchy of control measures should
falling materials
be used for working at height and to ensure that
 The mitigation of the effect on workers of
appropriate access equipment is used:
falls should they occur, minimizing the
 Eliminate or avoid working at height.
distance and consequences.
 Work from an existing safe workplace
provided, such as a properly constructed
The avoidance of work at height working platform, complete with toe boards
 Work is not carried out at height when it is and guard rails.
reasonably practicable to carry the work out  Ensure that there is sufficient work
safely other than at height equipment or other measures to minimize
 Good design of the assembly of components the distance and consequence of a fall
 the employer shall take suitable and  Collective measures rather than
sufficient measures to minimize the distance individual measures (e.g. a handrail instead
and consequences of a fall of a harness); or where this is not practicable
 Modifying the work process, airbags or  Collective fall arrest equipment (airbags or
safety nets, must take precedence over safety nets); or where this is not practicable
individual measures, for example safety  Individual fall restrainers (safety harnesses)
harnesses should be used.
 Provide supervision, training and
The Prevention of workers instruction
falling and falling materials  Only when none of the above measures is
The principal means of preventing falls of practicable, should ladders or stepladders be
people or materials includes: considered.

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Fall arrest equipment  the method that be used to attach the person
to the rescue system;
The three most common types of fail arrest
 the direction in which the person needs to be
equipment are:
moved to get them to the point of safety; and
 safety harnesses,  the possible needs of the person after the
 safety nets and rescue, including first-aid.
 air bags.
General Precautions when
Safety harnesses should only be used alone when
conventional protection, using guard rails, is no using Common Forms of Work
longer practicable. Such conditions occur when it is
possible to fall 2 m or more from an open edge.
Equipment to Prevent Falls,
Including: Ladders,
Safety nets are widely used to arrest falls of people,
tools and materials from height but competent Stepladders, Scaffolds
Installation is essential. The correct tensioning of the
net is important and normally specialist companies Safe working practices for
are available to fit nets.
common types of access
Air bags are used when it is either not possible or equipment
practical to use safety nets. Therefore they are used There are many different types of access
extensively in domestic house building or when it is equipment, but only the following four categories
difficult to position anchorage points for safety will be considered here:
harnesses.
 Ladders
Emergency Rescue  Fixed scaffold
 Pre-fabricated mobile scaffold towers
Emergency procedures  Mobile elevating work platforms
(MEWPs).
(including rescue)
A suitable emergency and rescue procedure Ladders
or plan needs to be in place for situations that could Ladder is suitable for short duration of work
be expected to occur on the construction site. Such only.
foreseeable situations could include a crane driver
trapped in his cab due to a power failure or a serious The main cause of accidents involving
ill-health problem, or the rescue of a person who has ladders is ladder movement while in use. This
fallen into a safety net. The employer is responsible occurs when they have not been secured to a fixed
for such a plan and reliance should not be placed on point, particularly at the foot. Other causes include
others, such as the emergency medical services. over-reaching by the worker, slipping on a rung,
ladder defects and, in the case of metal ladders,
An appropriate rescue plan should consider:

 the safety of the persons undertaking or

assisting with the rescue;
 the anchor points to be used for the rescue
equipment;
 the suitability of equipment (anchors,
harnesses, attachments and connectors) that
has already arrested the fall of the person for
use during the rescue;

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contact with electricit  the work activity must be considered in

some detail. Over-reaching must be
eliminated and consideration given to the
storage of paints or tools which are to be
used from the ladder and any loads to be
carried up the ladder. The ladder must be
matched to work required
 Only one persons climbs on ladder at a time
 Not carrying anything in hand while using
ladder
 workers who are to use ladders must be
trained in the correct method of use and
selection. Such training should include the
use of both hands during climbing, clean
non-slippery footwear, clean rungs and an
undamaged ladder
The main risks associated with ladders are:  ladders should be inspected (particularly for
damaged or missing rungs) and maintained
on a regular basis and they should only be
 Workers falling from height repaired by competent persons
 Falling off the ladders  the transportation and storage of ladders is
 Side way toppling important since much damage can occur at
 Base of ladder may slip out of walls these times. They need to be handled
 Objects falling from height carefully and stored in a dry place
 Contact with live overheads  when a ladder is left secured to a structure
during non-working hours, a plank should
Safety Precaution – Ladders be tied to the rungs to prevent unauthorized
access to the structure.
 Undertake as much work as possible from
 Wherever possible, a ladder should be tied
the ground
to prevent it from slipping. This can either
 the location itself needs to be checked.
be at the bottom or both, making sure both
 The supporting wall and supporting ground
stiles are ties Never tie a ladder by its rungs.
surface should be dry and slip free.
 There should be at least 1 m of ladder above
 Extra care will be needed if the area is busy
the stepping off point.
with pedestrians or vehicles
 The work activity must be considered in
 the ladder needs to be stable in use. This
some detail. Over-reaching must be
means that the inclination should be as near
eliminated and consideration given to the
the optimum as possible (1 in 4 ratio of
storage of paints or tools which are to be
distance from the wall to distance up the
used from the ladder and any loads to be
wall).
carried up the ladder. The ladder must be
 The foot of the ladder should be tied to a
matched to work required.
rigid support.
 Emergency evacuation, First aid and rescue
 Weather conditions must be suitable (no
procedures should be considered
high winds or heavy rain).
 The proximity of live electricity should also
be checked. (This last point is important Stepladders, Trestles and Staging
when ladders are to be carried beneath Such ladders are being used for short time or
power lines) light work.
 there should be at least 1 m of ladder above
All equipment must be checked by the supervisor
the stepping off point
before use to ensure that there are no defects and

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must be checked at least weekly whilst in use on site.  checked by the user before use;
If a defect is noted, or the equipment is damaged, it  taken out of use if damaged, and destroyed
must be taken out of use immediately. Any repairs or repaired;
must only be carried out by competent persons.  used on a secure surface, and with due
regard to ensuring stability at all times;
Supervisors must also check that the  Kept away from overhead cables and similar
equipment is being used correctly and not being used hazards.
where a safer method should be provided.

Where staging, such as a Youngman's

Scaffolds
staging platform, is being used in roof areas, It is quicker and easier to use a ladder as a
supervisors must ensure that only experienced means of access, but it is not always the safest.
operatives are permitted to carry out this work and
Jobs, such as painting, gutter repair,
that all necessary safety harnesses and anchorage
demolition work or window replacement, are
points are provided and used.
often easier done using a scaffold.

There are two basic types of external scaffold:

Independent tied scaffolds

These are scaffolding structures which are
independent of the building but tied to it often using a
window or window recess. This is the most common
form of scaffolding

Putlog
This form of scaffolding is usually used during
the construction of a building. A putlog is a scaffold
The main hazards associated with stepladders, tube which spans horizontally from the scaffold into
trestles and staging are: the building – the end of the tube is flattened and is
usually positioned between two brick courses.
 unsuitable base (uneven or loose materials);
 unsafe and incorrect use of equipment (e.g.
the use of staging for barrow ramps);
Components of Scaffolds:
The important components of a scaffold have as
 overloading;
follows:
 use of equipment where a safer method
should be provided;  Standard an upright tube or pole used as a
 overhang of boards or staging at supports vertical support in a scaffold.
(‗trap ends');  Ledger a tube spanning horizontally and
 use of defective equipment. tying standards longitudinally.
 Transom a tube spanning across ledgers to
Stepladders and trestles must be: tie a scaffold transversely. It may also
 manufactured to a recognized industrial support a working platform.
specification;  Bracing tubes which span diagonally to
strengthen and prevent movement of the
 stored and handled with care to prevent
scaffold.
damage and deterioration;
 Guardrail a horizontal tube fitted to
 subject to a program of regular inspection
standards along working platforms to
(there should be a marking, coding or
prevent persons from falling.
tagging system to confirm that the
inspection has taken place);

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 Toe boards these are fitted at the base of The following factors must be addressed if a scaffold
working platforms to prevent persons, is being considered for use for construction purposes:
materials or tools falling from the scaffold.
 Base plate, a square steel plate fitted to the  Scaffolding must only be erected by
bottom of a standard at ground level. competent people who have attended
 Sole board, normally a timber plank recognized training courses.
positioned beneath at least two base plates to  Any work carried out on the scaffold must
provide a more uniform distribution of the be supervised by a competent person.
scaffold load over the ground.  Any changes to the scaffold must be done by
 Ties, used to secure the scaffold by a competent person.
anchoring it to the building. The scaffold in  Adequate toe boards, guard rails and
Figure 7.18 is tied to the building using a intermediate rails must be fitted to prevent
through-tie. people or materials from falling.
 Working platform, an important part of the  The toe boards need to be suitable and
scaffold, as it is the platform on which the sufficient to prevent people or materials
building workers operate and where building from falling.
materials are stored prior to use. These are  The scaffold must rest on a stable surface;
laid on the transoms in various quantities; uprights should have base plates and timber
usually for general purpose, they should be sole plates if necessary.
four boards wide. A working platform can  The scaffold must have safe access and
be almost any surface from which work can egress.
be undertaken, such as:  Work platforms should be fully boarded
a) a roof with no tipping or tripping hazards.
b) floor  The scaffold should be sited away from or
c) platform on a scaffold protected from traffic routes so that it is not
d) mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) damaged by vehicles.
e) the treads of a stepladder.  Lower level uprights should be prominently
 Other components, access ladders, brick or marked in red and white stripes.
block guards and chutes to dispose of waste  The scaffold should be properly braced,
materials secured to the building or structure.
 Overloading of the scaffold must be
avoided.
 The public must be protected at all stages of
the work.
 Regular inspections of the scaffold must be
made and recorded: by a competent person
before first use; after a substantial alteration;
after an event that could affect stability
(severe wind) regular intervals — e.g. not
exceeding seven days

Mobile Tower Scaffold -

Prefabricated
Mobile scaffold towers are frequently used
Hazards Associated with throughout industry for painting, maintenance, jobs
internally and externally.
scaffolds:
 Workers falling from working platform
 Objects falling from working platform
 structures collapse

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Anyone erecting a tower scaffold should be

competent to do so and should have received training
under an industry recognized training scheme or
under a recognized manufacturer or supplier scheme.

Mobile elevated work platforms

(MEWPs)
MEWPs are very suitable for high-level
work such as changing light bulbs in a warehouse,
working on building exteriors or reaching electrical
distribution cables.

The following points must be considered when

mobile scaffold towers are to be used:

 the selection, erection and dismantling of

mobile scaffold towers must be undertaken
by competent and trained persons with
maximum height to base ratios not being
exceeded
 diagonal bracing and stabilizers should
always be used
 access ladders must be fitted to the
narrowest side of the tower or inside the
tower and persons should not climb up the
frame of the tower
 all wheels must be locked while work is in
progress and all persons must vacate the
The following factors must be considered when using
tower before it is moved
MEWPs:
 the tower working platform must be
boarded, fitted with guardrails and toe
 The MEWP must only be operated by
boards and not overloaded
trained and competent persons.
 towers must be tied to a rigid structure if
 It must never be moved in the elevated
exposed to windy weather or to be used for position.
work such as jet blasting  It must be operated on level and stable
 persons working from a tower must not ground with consideration being given for
over-reach or use ladders from the work the stability and loading of floors.
platform  The tyres must be properly inflated and the
 safe distances must be maintained between wheels immobilized.
the tower and overhead power lines both
 Outriggers should be fully extended and
during working operations and when the
locked in position.
tower is moved  Due care must be exercised with overhead
 the tower should be inspected on a regular power supplies, obstructions and adverse
basis and a report made. weather conditions.

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 Warning signs should be displayed and warehouses and storage facilities when palletized
barriers erected to avoid collisions. goods are stacked higher than two storey's and often
 It should be maintained regularly and weigh several tones. Implementing tried and tested
procedures should be in place in the event of methods on safe racking and storage is therefore
machine failure. essential to mitigate the risk of an incident arising..
 Drivers of MEWPs must be instructed in
emergency procedures, particularly to cover It is often possible to remove high-level
instances of power failure. storage from offices and other general workplaces,
 All workers on MEWPs should wear safety such as construction sites, and provide storage in
harnesses. warehouses or similar storage facilities.

If a storage facility is to be installed for the first time,

If a MEWP is to be used, the HSE then the following points should be considered:
suggest that the following
 The racking must be erected on and fixed
questions should be considered securely to a sound, level floor.
a) Height- How high is the job from the  The storage system must be installed in
ground? accordance with manufacturers‗ instructions.
b) Application – Do you have the appropriate  If the racking is to be secured to the wall of
MEWP for the job? ( if you are not sure, a building, has this been proved by structural
check with the hirer or manufacturer) calculations which should be made to ensure
c) Conditions-What are the grounds conditions that the walls can support the racking and its
like? Is there a risk of the MEWP becoming contents securely.
unstable or overturning  Beam-connector locks must be fixed at both
d) Operators –are the people using the MEWP ends of the beam.
trained, competent and fit to do so?  Maximum-load notices must be displayed.
e) Obstructions- Could the MEWP be caught  Correct pallets must be used.
on any protruding features or overhead  Sufficient protective equipment must be
hazards such as steel work, tree branches or used, such as column guards and rack-end
power lines? protectors
f) Traffic- Is there passing traffic and, if so,
what do you need to do to prevent
collisions?
g) Restraint- Do you need to use either work
restraint (to prevent people climbing out of
the MEWP) or a fall arrest system (which
will stop a person hitting the ground if they
fall out)?
h) Checks- Has the MEWP been examined,
inspected and maintained as required by the
manufacturer‘s instructions and have daily
checks been carried out?

Prevention of Falling Materials

through Safe Stacking and
Storage
It is estimated that two million working days
are lost each year on account of handling injuries and
slip and trip incidents. Such incidents can occur in

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8.3 Safe Working in

Confined Spaces
What is confined space, Types
of Confined Spaces and why
What should be considered
they are Dangerous
A confined space is defined as: ‗any place,
when assessing risks from a
including any chamber, tank, vat, silo, pit, trench, confined space
pipe, sewer, flue, well or other similar space in
which, by virtue of its enclosed nature, there arises a Factors to be Assessed
reasonably foreseeable specified risk‘.

These specified risks mean a risk to a worker of: General Condition of the
Confined Space
 serious injury arising from a fire or
The general conditions of the confined space
explosion;
are as under:
 loss of consciousness arising from an
increase in body temperature; Previous Contents: Such as powders, liquids or
 loss of consciousness or asphyxiation arising gases that have been in the space which will give an
from gas, fume, vapor or the lack of oxygen; indication of possible hazards
 drowning arising from an increase in the
level of liquid; Residues: Such as sludge or scale that may release
 asphyxiation arising from a free-flowing gas/vapor when distributed
solid or because of entrapment by it.
Contamination: Substances that may leak in to the
Therefore, confined spaces include: chambers, space from adjacent areas.
tanks (sealed and open-top), vessels, furnaces,
ducts, sewers, manholes, pits, flues, excavations, Oxygen deficiency and oxygen enrichment: Low
boilers, reactors and ovens. oxygen concentration that impairs mental functioning
significantly and can lead to loss of consciousness
The principal hazards associated and asphyxia. Increased Oxygen concentration
with a confined space are the difficult access and greatly increases fire risk.
egress, which can make escape and rescue more
difficult. Other hazards associated with confined Physical dimensions: It may impact where residues
spaces include: and gas/vapor may be present and will affect
ventilation methods.
 asphyxiation due to oxygen depletion;
 poisoning by toxic substance or fumes; The main hazards associated
 explosions due to gases, vapors and dust;
 fire due to flammable liquids; with working within a confined
 fall of materials leading to possible head
injuries;
space
 free-flowing solid such as grain in a silo;
 electrocution from unsuitable equipment; Hazards Arising from the Work.
 difficulties of rescuing injured personnel; Following hazards arises from the confined
 drowning due to flooding; and space work:
 fumes from plant or processes entering
confined spaces.

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Cleaning chemicals: Chemical used for  the provision of special tools and lighting,
cleaning can affect the atmosphere directly and can such as extra low voltage equipment, non-
mix with available residues sparking tools and specially protected
Source of Ignition: Welding could be an lighting;
ignition source for the vapors and gases in confined  the emergency arrangements to cover the ne
space. equipment, training, practice drills and the
Increasing temperature: Hot work and raising the alarm; and
strenuous work activities can have an effect on the  adequate communications arrangements to
thermal comfort of the workers, particularly when enable communication between people
PPE is being worn. This may lead to heat stress and inside and outside the confined space and to
heat stroke. summon help in an emergency.

Hazards from Outside the Space When a permit-to-work for

Hazards arising from outside should also to be
isolated:
confined spaces would not be
 Such as ingress of substance
required
 Inadvertent operation of machinery
 Inlet / Outlet vales Permit-to-work systems (PTW) –
 Anticipation of Emergency Rescue Confined spaces

Role and function of a Permit-to-

work system
Permit to work System must be used for
Confined Space.
The permit to work procedure is a
specialized type of safe system of work for ensuring
that potentially very dangerous work (e.g. entry into
process plant and other confined spaces) is done
safely. The key elements of a permit-to-work system
The precautions to be included consists of 4 elements:
in a safe system of work for Issue: Description of work to be carried out,
confined spaces Description of plant and location, Assessment of
hazards, Identification of controls, Additional permits
Safe System of work for a e.g. hot work, Isolation of services, PPE and
Emergency procedures
Confined Space Receipt: handover of permit Competent and
 the appointment of a supervisor; authorized person issues permit to workers, Workers
 the competence and experience required of sign to say they accept controls, Work can now start,
the workers in the confined space; Plant is now under the control of the workers
 the isolation of mechanical and electrical Clearance/return to service: hand back of
equipment in an emergency; permit, workers sign to say they have left the job site
 the size of the entrance must enable rapid and equipment can restart.
access and exit in an emergency;
 the provision of adequate ventilation; Cancellation: Authorized person accepts plant
 the testing of the air inside the space to back and can remove isolations etc., Plant is now
ensure that it is fit to breathe. If the air returned to the control of the ―site‖.
inside the space is not fit to breathe, then
breathing apparatus will be essential;

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 They lack assistance to do the work

8.4 Lone Working  They lack immediate assistance if things go
wrong
What a lone worker is and  Communication with colleague
disconnected
typical examples of lone  Communication with management is more
working difficult.
People work alone, like those in small
workshops, remote areas of a large site, social What should be considered
workers, sales personal or mobile maintenance staff
should not be at more risk than other employees.
when assessing risks of lone
working
Lone workers are a group of workers who
It is important to consider whether the risks
are especially vulnerable in certain situations. If, for
of the job can be properly controlled by one person.
example, the worker is in contact with members of
Other considerations in the risk assessment include:
the public, they may be at risk of assault from people
who could be violent.  Does the particular workplace present a
special risk to someone working alone?
People who work alone in confined spaces
 Is there safe entrance and exit from the
could also be at risk if they have an accident or
workplace?
become ill. There are, however, no absolute
 Can all the equipment and substances be
restrictions on working alone; it will depend on the
safely
findings of a risk assessment.
 Handled by one person?
 Is violence from others a risk?
 Would women and young person‘s be
especially at risk?
 Is the worker medically fit and suitable for
working alone?
 Are special training and supervision
required?
 Has the worker access to first-aid?
When a risk assessment shows that it is not
possible for the work to be done safely by a lone People who work by themselves without close or
worker, arrangements for providing help or back-up direct supervision are found in many work situations.
should be put in place. Where a lone worker is
working at the premises of another employer, that In some cases they are the sole occupant of small
employer should inform the employer of the lone workshops or warehouses; they may work in remote
worker of any risks and the precautions that should sections of a large site; they may work out of normal
be taken. hours, like cleaners or security personnel; they may
be working away from their main base as installers,
“Workers who are separated from their or maintenance people; they could be people giving a
work colleagues‖ service, like social workers, home helps, drivers and
estate agents.
Particular hazards of lone There is no general legal reason why people
working should not work alone but there may be special risks
which require two or more people to be present, for
Risk Assessment- Lone workers example, during entry into a confined space in order
to affect a rescue. It is important to ensure that a lone
A risk assessment is, therefore, essential for all
worker is not put at any higher risk than other
instances of lone working because:

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workers. This is achieved by carrying out a specific  Other devices to raise the alarm, which are
risk assessment and introducing special protection activated by the absence of some specific
arrangements for their safety. action
 Checks that the lone worker has returned
People particularly at risk, like young people or safely home or to their base
women, should also be considered. People‘s overall  Special arrangements for first aid to deal
health and suitability to work alone should be taken with minor injuries, this may include mobile
into account. It is important ascertain whether the first aid kits
work should be performed alone particularly where  Arrangements for emergencies should be
there is a possible of serious risk, such as violence, established and employees trained.
being confronted, by the worker.

Control measures for lone

working
Safe System of Work for Lone
Working
People particularly at risk, like young people or
women, should also be considered. People‘s overall
health and suitability to work alone should be taken
into account. It is important ascertain whether the
work should be performed alone particularly where
there is a possible of serious risk, such as violence,
being confronted, by the worker

Typical control procedures may include: Lone

Working
 Documented records of the location or
itineraries of the lone workers.
 Periodic visits from the supervisor to
observe what is happening
 Regular voice contact between the lone
worker and the supervisor
 Automatic warning devices to alert others if
a specific signal is not received from the
lone worker

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 Raised telephone and electrical

8.5 Slips and Trips sockets are also a serious trip hazard
(this can be a significant problem
Common causes of slips and when the display screen
workstations are re-orientated in an
trips, including office)
The most common hazards to pedestrians  rugs and mats – particularly when
at work are-Slips, trips while moving around the worn or placed on
workplaces.
 a polished surface
 poor housekeeping – obstacles left
on walkways, rubbish not removed
regularly
 poor lighting levels – particularly
near steps or other changes in level
 sloping or uneven floors –
particularly where there is
 poor lighting or no handrails
unsuitable footwear – shoes with a
slippery sole or lack of ankle
support.

Main control measures for slips

and trips,
Control Measures for Slips and
Trips
These may be prevented or, at least,
Common Slipping and Tripping reduced by several control strategies Management of
Hazards Health and Safety at Work Regulations by identifying
Slip hazards are caused by:
 wet or dusty floors slip or trip hazards, such as poor or uneven
 the spillage of wet or dry substances floor/pavement surfaces, badly lit stairways and
– oil, water, flour dust and plastic puddles from leaking roofs.
pellets used in plastic manufacture
 loose mats on slippery floors There is also a legal requirement in the
 wet and/or icy weather conditions
 Unsuitable footwear or floor Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations
coverings or sloping floors. for all floors to be suitable, in good condition and
free from obstructions. Traffic routes must be so
Trip hazards are caused by:
 loose floorboards or carpets organized that people can move around the
 obstructions, low walls, low fixtures workplace safely.
on the floor
 cables or trailing leads across  Eliminate the Hazard
walkways or uneven surfaces. Leads
 Create a Safe place
to portable electrical hand tools and
other electrical appliances (vacuum  Create a Safe person
cleaners and overhead projectors).

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The key elements of a health and safety management  Environmental condition

system are as relevant to these as to any other
Spillage Control and Drainage
hazards:
Spillage of oil/lubricant water should be
avoided on floor to control slip hazards
Planning – remove or minimize the risks by using
appropriate control measures and defined working Spill control can be done by:
practices
 Maintenance of under wall pipeline
Organization – involve employees and supervisors  Inspection of Valves
 Behavioral control by banning drinks
in the planning process by defining responsibility for
 House keeping
keeping given areas tidy and free from trip hazards  Information
 Induction
Control – record all cleaning and maintenance work.
 Training
Ensure that anti-slip covers and capping are placed
on stairs, ladders, catwalks, kitchen floors and Bund
smooth walkways. Use warning signs when floor A wall to be made around the storage tank
or vessels or drums, which control the leakage within
surfaces have recently been washed
the wall or compound.
Monitoring and review – carry out regular safety
Where a floor or pedestrian routes are likely to get
audits of cleaning and housekeeping procedures and wet, adequate drainage to be provide because:
include trip hazards in safety surveys. Check on
 Outdoor walkways may be subject to
accident records to see whether there has been an
rainfall
improvement or if an accident black spot may be  Indoor walkways may be subject to
identified. frequent wetting during normal use
(bathrooms, changing room, food production
factory)
Risk Assessment
A risk assessment covering the safe movement
Use of Signs and Personal
as below.
Protective Equipment
 Identify the various hazards Clear visible and easily understood safety signs
 Identify the group of risk and marking should be displayed for pedestrians to
 Evaluate the risk know the likely hazards
 Take records
 Practicable abnormal movements
 Accident history
 Impact of adverse weather condition
 Maintenance requirement

Slip-Resistant Surfaces
The flooring of workplace should de slip- Signage must be displayed about no entry or
resistant. Factor to be considered for making slip access beyond this point etc.
resistant surfaces.
Specific safety footwear is must depending about
 Nos. of People walk the hazards and other PPES also can be required to
 The foot wear they use prevent head injury, hand injury, bone fractures etc.
 Wear and tear of floor / surface

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8.6 Safe Movement of drivers and employees or members of the

public.
People and Vehicle in the
Collisions
Workplace Collisions can occur between the vehicle and:
 Pedestrian
Hazards to pedestrians  Other vehicles
The safe movement of people and  Fixed objects
vehicles in the workplace is essential if accidents are Areas of particular concerns are vehicles entrance
to be avoided. and exit points, such as forklift truck entrance point
from on outside yard area into a workshop.
The more serious accidents between These parts of a building tend to have a high
pedestrians and vehicles can often be traced back to incidence of vehicle collision because of:
excessive speed or other unsafe vehicle practices,  Bottlenecking of vehicles through these
such as lack of driver training. routes
 Presence of blind spots
More and more workers drive vehicles on
 Change in light levels that usually occurs
public highways as part of their jobs, and some are
involved in road accidents that may be classed as There are several other more general hazardous
work many of the risks associated with these hazards situations involving pedestrians and vehicles. These
can be significantly reduced by an effective
include the following:
management system.
 reversing of vehicles, especially inside
As more and more workers spend a
buildings
considerable amount of time travelling and
commuting by road, occupational road safety  poor road surfaces and/or poorly drained
becomes an important issue. As an accident resulting road surfaces
in death or personal injury occurring on the direct  roadways too narrow with insufficient safe
way between the place of work.
parking areas
Risk Associated with Workplace  roadways poorly marked out and

Transport Operation-Hazards in inappropriate or unfamiliar signs used


vehicle operations too few pedestrian crossing points

Many different kinds of vehicle are used  the non-separation of pedestrians and
in the workplace including dumper trucks, heavy vehicles
goods vehicles, all-terrain vehicles and, perhaps the
 lack of barriers along roadways
most common, the fork-lift truck.
 lack of directional and other signs
There are major accidents involving  poor environmental factors, such as
serious fractures, head injuries and amputations
lighting, dust and noise
caused by:
 ill-defined speed limits and/or speed limits
 Collisions between pedestrians and vehicles; which are not enforced
 people falling from vehicles;  poor or no regular maintenance checks
 people being struck by objects falling from  vehicles used by untrained and/or
vehicles;
unauthorized personnel
 people being struck by an overturning
 poor training or lack of refresher training.
vehicle;
 Communication problems between vehicle

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Banksman/Signaller  lack of driver training or experience;

Banksmen/signallers are responsible for  underlying causes of poor management
directing the movement of vehicles and plant on or procedures and controls, safe working
around a site.
practices, information, instruction, training
and supervision;
Hazards from workplace
 collision with other vehicles;
transport operations  overloading of vehicles;

Hazards of Mobile Work  general vehicle movements and parking;


Equipment- Vehicle movement dangerous occurrences or other emergency

Accidents possibly causing injuries to incidents (including fire);

people often arise from one or more of the following:  access and egress from the buildings and the
site.
 Poor maintenance with defective brakes,
tyres and steering Control measures to manage
 Poor visibility because of dirty mirrors and
workplace transport
windows or loads which obstruct the
driver‘s view. Good visibility is essential at Control Measures for Safe Vehicle
all the times for mobile plant operators. and People Movement
Operators of mobile construction plant must  Traffic routes, loading and storage areas
ensure they regularly clean their windows so need to be well designed with enforced
they can safely see all around. This should speed limits, good visibility and the
be combined with constant use of mirrors separation of vehicles and pedestrians
and a banksman where appropriate. Lights whenever reasonably practicable.
on all vehicles should be cleaned regularly  Environmental considerations, such as
to ensure vehicles are visible at all times, visibility, road surface conditions, road
and vehicle depots should be well lit to gradients and changes in road level, must
avoid slip and trip hazards; also be taken into account.
 operating on rough ground or steep gradients  The use of one-way systems and separate
which causes the mobile equipment to turn site access gates for vehicles and pedestrians
on its side 90° plus or roll over 180° or may be required.
more;  The safety of members of the public must be
 carrying of passengers without the proper considered, particularly where vehicles cross
accommodation for them; public footpaths.
 people being flung out as the vehicle  All external roadways must be appropriately
overturns and being crushed by it; marked, particularly where there could be
 being crushed under wheels as the vehicle doubt on right of way, and suitable direction
moves; and speed limit signs erected along the
 being struck by a vehicle or an attachment; roadways. While there may well be a

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difference between internal and external there is a risk of overturning it must be

speed limits, it is important that all speed minimized by:
 stabilizing the equipment;
limits are observed.  fitting a structure so that it only falls on its
 Induction training for all new employees side
must include the location and designation of  Fitting a structure which gives sufficient
clearance for anyone being carried if it turns
pedestrian walkways and crossings and the
over further ROPS (Roll Over Protection
location of areas in the factory where Structure)
pedestrians and fork-lift trucks use the same  a device giving comparable protection
 Fitting a suitable restraining system for
roadways
people if there is a risk of being crushed by
 The identification of recognized and rolling over.
prohibited parking areas around the site  Where self-propelled work equipment may
should also be given during these training involve risks while in motion they shall
have:
sessions.  facilities to prevent unauthorized starting
 details of the work area (e.g. vehicle routes,  facilities to minimize the consequences of
provision for pedestrians, signage); collision
 a device for braking and stopping
 details of vehicles (e.g. type, safety features
 emergency facilities for braking and
and checks, maintenance requirements); stopping, in the event of
 information and training for employees (e.g.  failure of the main facility, which have
readily accessible or automatic controls
driver training, traffic hazard briefing);
 devices fitted to improve vision
 type of vehicle activities (e.g. loading and  appropriate lighting fitted or otherwise it
unloading, refuelling or recharging, shall be made sufficiently safe for its use
 if there is anything carried or towed that
reversing, tipping).
constitutes a fire hazard liable to endanger
employees (particularly if escape is difficult
Mobile work equipment such, as from a tower crane), appropriate
Safeguards fire-fighting equipment carried, unless it is
The main purpose of the mobile work sufficiently close by.
equipment safeguards is to protect workers who
Rollover protective structures (ROPS) are now
could come into contact with such equipment while it
becoming much more affordable and available for
is traveling from one location to another or where it
most types of mobile equipment where there is a high
does work while moving. Mobile equipment
risk of turning over. The ROPS frame must pass a
normally moves on wheels tracks, rollers or skids. It
series of static and dynamic crush tests. These tests
may be self-propelled, towed or remote controlled
examine the ability of the ROPS to withstand various
and may incorporate attachment. No employee may
loads to see if the protective zone around the operator
be carried on mobile work equipment.
remains intact in an overturn
 suitable for carrying persons;
 unless it incorporates features to reduce risk
as low as is reasonably practicable,
including risk from wheels and tracks.
 Where there is significant risk of falling
materials, falling object protective
structures (FOPS) should be fitted. Where

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Falling object protective structures (FOPS), are  Adequate signaling or other control
required where there is a significant risk of objects arrangements or devices should be provided
falling on the equipment operator or other authorized to guard against danger from the movement
person using the mobile equipment. Canopies that of vehicles and earth-moving or materials-
protect against falling objects (FOPS) must be handling equipment.
properly designed and certified for that purpose.  Special safety precautions should be taken
Front loaders, working in woods or construction sites for vehicles and equipment when
near scaffolding or buildings under construction and manoeuvring backwards.
high bay storage areas are all locations where there is  The assistance of a trained and authorized
a risk of falling objects signaler should be available when the view
of the driver or operator is restricted.
ILO Recommendation: Earth-moving and  The signaling code should be understood by
materials-handling equipment: All vehicles and all involved
earth-moving or materials-handling equipment
should: Safe Driving
 be of good design and construction, taking Drivers have an important role to play in the safe
into account as far as possible ergonomic use of mobile equipment. They should include the
principles particularly with reference to the following in their safe working practice checklist:
seat;
 Make sure they understand fully the
 be maintained in good working order
operating procedures and controls on the
 be properly used with due regard to health
equipment being used
and safety;
 Only operate equipment for which they are
 be operated by workers who have received
trained and authorized
appropriate training in accordance with
 Never drive if abilities are impaired by, for
national laws and regulations
example alcohol, poor vision or hearing, ill
health or drugs whether prescribed or not
 Use the seat restraints where provided
 Know the site rules and signals
 Know the safe operating limits relating to
the terrain and loads being carried
 Keep vehicles in a suitably clean and tidy
condition with particular attention to mirrors
and windows or loose items which could
interfere with the controls
 Drive at suitable speeds and following site
rules and routes at all times
 Only allow passengers when there are safe
seats provided on the equipment
 Park vehicles on suitable fl at ground with
the engine switched off and the parking
brakes applied, use wheel chokes if
necessary
 The drivers and operators of vehicles and  Make use of visibility aids or a signaler
earth-moving or materials-handling when vision is restricted
equipment should be medically fit,  Get off the vehicle during loading operations
 Driver must be trained and tested and of a unless adequate protection is provided
prescribed minimum age as required by  Ensure that the load is safe to move
national laws and regulations.

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 Do not get off vehicle until it is stationary,

with the engine stopped and parking brake
applied
 Where practicable remove the operating key
when getting off the vehicle
 Take the correct precautions such as not
smoking and switching off the engine when
refueling.
 Report any defects immediately.

The Management of Vehicle

Movements
Where large vehicles are routinely stopping to load or
unload at loading bays, a certain amount of reversing
is probably inevitable. When large vehicles need to
reverse in the workplace, the following precautions
should be taken:

 Undertake a risk assessment and develop a

written safe system of work.
 Restrict reversing to places where it can be
carried out safely.
 Keep people on foot or in wheelchairs away
from the area.
 Provide suitable high visibility clothing for
those people who are permitted in the area.
 Fit reversing alarms to alert or a detection
device to warn the driver of an obstruction,
or automatically apply the brakes.
 Employ banksmen to supervise the safe
movement of vehicles
 The design features that may need to be
considered to minimize risks associated with
movement of vehicles in the workplace
include:
 providing traffic routes with smooth and
stable surfaces and with the right width and
headroom for the types of vehicles that will
use them;
 eliminating sharp bends, blind corners and
steep gradients, and siting convex mirrors on
those corners that are unavoidably blind;

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organization, systems and monitoring. Employees

8.7 Work-related driving should be encouraged to report all work-related road
incidents and be assured that punitive action will not
Managing work-related driving be taken against them.


Driving at Work: Benefits of consider the use, for example, of air or rail
transport as a partial alternative to driving;
Managing Work- Related Road  consider the factors that might increase the
Safety risk of becoming involved in a road traffic
incident — distance, driving hours, work
The true costs of accidents to organizations are
schedules, stress due to traffic and road
nearly always higher than just the costs of repairs and
conditions and weather conditions;
insurance claims. The benefits of managing work-
 attempt to avoid situations where employees
related road safety can be considerable, no matter
feel under pressure;
what the size of the organization. There will be
 make sure that maintenance work is
benefits in area of:
organized to reduce the risk of vehicle
 control: costs, such as wear and tear and failure. This is particularly important when
fuel, insurance premiums and claims can be pool cars are used because pool car users
better controlled; often assume another user is checking on
 driver training and vehicle purchase: better maintenance and legality. The safety critical
inform decisions can be made; systems that need to be properly maintained
 lost time: fewer days will be lost due to are the brakes, steering and tyres. Similarly,
injury, ill- health and work rescheduling; if the car is leased and serviced by the
 vehicles: fewer will need to be off the road leasing company, a system should be in
for repair; place to confirm that servicing is being done
 orders: fewer orders will be missed; to a reasonable standard;
 key employees: there is likely to be a  insist that drivers and passengers are
reduction in driving bans. adequately protected in the event of an
incident. Crash helmets and protective
clothing for those who ride motorcycles and
other two-wheeled vehicles should be of the
appropriate color and standard;
 ensure that company policy covers the
important aspects of the Highway Code.

Work-related driving control

measures
Managing Occupational Road
Risks: Risk Assessment
Where work-related road safety is integrated
Evaluating the risks:
into the arrangements for managing health and safety
The following actions should be considered by
at work, it can be managed effectively. The main
employers to reduce the risks to employees who drive
areas to be addressed are policy, responsibility,
as part of their work:

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 Journeys should be planned to reduce  Do drivers need to know how to carry out
driving time. & Rest breaks should be routine safety checks such as those on lights,
included in journey times. tyres and wheel fixings ?
 Encourage drivers to remain physically fit to  Do drivers know how to adjust safety
reduce chronic fatigue. equipment correctly, for example seat belts
 Ensure that drivers have hands-free mobile and head restraints? Is the headrest 3.8 cm
equipment. (1.5 inches) behind the driver‗s head?
 Monitor related working procedures to  Is the front of the seat higher than the back
ensure safety. and are the legs 45° to the floor?
 Ensure that drivers have necessary  Is the steering wheel adjustable and set low
communication equipment (mobile phones, to avoid shoulder stress?
GPS, personal alarms).  Are drivers able to use anti-lock brakes
 Keep a record of the location of driver (ABS) properly?
destinations  Do drivers have the expertise to ensure safe
 Encourage drivers to regularly report back to load distribution?
colleagues in the base office.  If the vehicle breaks down, do drivers know
what to do to ensure their own safety?
The Driver -Competency  Is there a handbook for drivers ?
 Are drivers aware of the dangers of fatigue ?
The following considerations can be used to check on
 Do drivers know the height of their vehicle,
work-related road safety management
both laden and empty?
 Is the driver competent, experienced and
capable of doing the work safely?
 Is his or her license valid for the type of
vehicle to be driven?
 Is the vehicle suitable for the task or is it
restricted by the driver‘s license?
 Does the recruitment procedure include
appropriate pre-appointment checks?
 Is the driving license checked for validity on
recruitment and periodically thereafter?
 When the driver is at work, is he or she
aware of company policy on work-related
road safety?
 Are written instructions and guidance
available?
 Has the company specified and monitored
the standards of skill and expertise required
The Drivers - Fitness and Health
for the circumstances for the job?
 The driver‗s level of health and fitness
The Driver –Training
should be sufficient for safe driving.
 Are drivers properly trained?  Drivers of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs)
 Do drivers need additional training to carry must have the appropriate medical
out their duties safely? certificate.
 Does the company provide induction  Drivers who are most at risk should also
training for drivers ? undergo regular medicals. Staff should not
 Are those drivers whose work exposes them drive, or undertake other duties, while taking
to the highest risk given priority in training? a course of medicine that might impair their
judgment.

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 All drivers should have regular (every two Ergonomic considerations

years) eyesight tests. Research has shown
that one in four motorists have a level of The health of the drivers, and possibly also their
eyesight below the legal standard for safety, may be put at risk from through an
driving, which is to be able to read a car inappropriate seating position or driving posture.
number plate from a distance of 20.5 m.
The load
 Drivers should rest their eyes by taking a
break of at least 15 minutes every two hours. For any lorry driving, most of the topics covered in
this section are relevant. However, the load being
The Drivers – Avoid distractions
carried is an additional issue. If the load is hazardous,
During driving following distractions must emergency procedures (and possibly equipment)
be avoided to ensure safety on road. must be in place and the driver trained in those
procedures.
 using a mobile phone (for either calling or
sending text messages); The load should be stacked safely in the lorry so that
 drinking and eating; it cannot move during the journey. There must also
 applying make-up; be satisfactory arrangements for handling the load at
 anything else which takes their attention either end of the journey.
away from the road and which a court
The journey-Routes
judges to have been an avoidable distraction
 Talking with fellow passengers Route planning is crucial. Safe routes should
 Louder music be chosen which are appropriate for the type of
vehicle undertaking the journey wherever practicable.
The vehicle-Suitability
Motorways are the safest roads. Minor roads are
All vehicles should be fit for the purpose for suitable for cars, but they are less safe and could
which they are used. When purchasing new or present difficulties for larger vehicles. Overhead
replacement vehicles, the management should look restrictions for example bridges, tunnels and other
for vehicles that are most suitable for driving and hazards such as level crossings, may present dangers
public health and safety for long and/or high vehicles so route planning
should take particular account of these.
Condition and Safety Equipment
Scheduling
Are vehicles maintained in a safe and fit condition?
There will need to be: There are danger periods during the day and
night when people are most likely, on average, to feel
 Maintenance arrangements to acceptable sleepy. These are between 2 am and 6 am and
standards between 2 pm and 4 pm. Schedules need to take
 basic safety checks for drivers sufficient account of these periods. Where tacho-
 a method of ensuring that the vehicle does graphs are carried, they should be checked regularly
not exceed its maximum load weight to make sure that drivers are not putting themselves
 reliable methods to secure goods and and others at risk by driving for long periods without
equipment in transit a break. Periods of peak traffic flow should be
 checks to make sure that safety equipment is avoided if possible and new drivers should be given
in good working order extra support while training.
 Checks on seatbelts and head restraints. Are
they fitted correctly and functioning Time
properly
Has enough time been allowed to complete
 Drivers need to know what action to take if
the driving job safely? A realistic schedule would
they consider their vehicle is unsafe
take into account the type and condition of the road

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and allow the driver rest breaks. A non-vocational  Use headlights in poor weather conditions
driver should not be expected to drive and work for and fog lights in foggy conditions
longer than a professional driver. The  Use hazard warning lights if an accident or
recommendation of the Highway Code is for a 15 severe traffi c congestion is approached
minute break every two hours. (particularly on motorways)
 All speed limits must be observed but
Distance speeds should always be safe for the
conditions encountered
Managers need to satisfy themselves that
 Drivers must not drive continuously for
drivers will not be put at risk from fatigue caused by
more than 2 hours without a break of at least
driving excessive distances without appropriate
15 minutes
breaks. Combining driving with other methods of
 No alcohol must be consumed during the
transport may make it possible for long road journeys
day of the journey until the journey is
to be eliminated or reduced. Employees should not be
completed. Only minimal amounts of
asked to work an exceptionally long day.
alcohol should be consumed on the day
Weather conditions before a journey is to be made
 No recreational drugs should be taken on the
When planning journeys, sufficient day of a journey. Some prescribed and over
consideration will need to be given to adverse the counter drugs and medicines can also
weather conditions, such as snow, ice, heavy rain and affect driver awareness and speed of
high winds. Routes should be rescheduled and reaction. Always check with a doctor or
journey times adapted to take adverse weather pharmacist to ensure that it is safe to drive.
conditions into consideration. Where poor weather
conditions are likely to be encountered, vehicles Mobile phones, including hands-free equipment,
should be properly equipped to operate, with, for must not be used whilst driving. They must be turned
example, anti-lock brakes. off during the journey and only used during the rest
Where there are ways of reducing risk, for periods or when the vehicle is safely parked and the
example when driving a high sided vehicle in strong handbrake on.
winds with a light load, drivers should have the
expertise to deal with the situation. In addition, they
should not feel pressurized to complete journeys Hazards associated with the
where weather conditions are exceptionally difficult use of electric and hybrid
and this should be made clear by management.
vehicles

Typical health and safety rules for drivers of cars

Hazards of Electric and Hybrid
on company business: Vehicles
The following rules have been produced to
Introduction- What is Electric
reduce accidents at work. Any breach of these rules
will be a disciplinary offence. and Hybrid Vehicles
Hybrid electric vehicles are powered by an
 All drivers must have a current and valid internal combustion engine and an electric motor,
driving license which uses energy stored in batteries. A hybrid
 All vehicles must carry comprehensive electric vehicle cannot be plugged in to charge the
insurance for use at work battery. Instead, the battery is charged through
 Plan the journey in advance to avoid, where regenerative braking and by the internal combustion
possible, dangerous roads or traffic delays engine.

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 Remote Key Operating Systems – Due to

remote key operating systems of these
vehicles , the risk is high for workers
involved in vehicle maintenance, recovery
and the emergency services.

Hazards with Electric and Hybrid

Vehicles
There are range of hazards associated with
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles.

 Silent operation – Due to silent running of

electric vehicles, its cannot be heard by road
users ( e.g. pedestrians , cyclists). So there is
risk of collision for Road users.
 Unexpected engine start-up – hybrid
vehicles may automatic engine start even
battery charge is low and causes hazardous
situation
 High-voltage electricity – These vehicles
use high voltage (up to 650 V DC) and are
capable of causing significant electric
shock, explosion and/or burn injuries that
can be fatal.
 Charge retention (Stored energy) – some
components of vehicle retain electric charge
for a period of time (up to 10 minutes) even
after switched off the vehicle. This may lead
to electrocution, electric burns & electric
shocks.
 Batteries – can explode or release
hazardous substances if not handled in
accordance with manufacturer's guidelines.
 Manual handling – batteries are very heavy
and present a significant manual handling
risk if they have to be removed or swapped
out.
 Magnetic forces – it is possible that the
motor, drive chain or vehicle may move due
to magnetic forces within the motor. This
may lead to Mechanical hazards.
 Charging Point– Location and availability
of Charging point also lead to serious
electric hazards like electrocution , electric
shock , electric burns , Arcing & Fire .

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