IN the UK, deaths involving vehicles in the workplace are second only to deaths caused by falls from height. In 2005, 60 workers were killed and 1,850 more were seriously injured as a result of incidents involving workplace vehicles.
It is therefore a welcome step that the UK Health and Safety Council (HSC) has announced plans to develop management standards for the safe operation of workplace transport.
The plans involve putting together an outline of latest legislation, guidance, and good working practice in one document called the Route Map. It will include summary details of good management standards covering four specific areas: site layout and design, selection and maintenance, personnel (including training), and management responsibilities, such as the need for risk assessments, and leadership and support for health and safety on site.
Scafftag systems can play a vital role in achieving these standards. It can provide a solution for any type of industrial vehicle including forklifts, mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), cranes, dumpers, bobcats, bikes, trucks to name but a few.
Taking the most common example of forklifts, Forkliftag instantly visually identifies the status of a forklift truck and installs a pre-shift operator inspection and maintenance routine.
The Forkliftag holder is attached permanently onto the vehicle in a prominent position. The Forkliftag insert contains a checklist to be completed daily by the first user or at the start of each shift, depending on how the site operates. Should there be any query about the status of the vehicle, or if any element fails inspection, the insert is simply removed, instantly displaying “do not use”.
As well as pre-shift inspections carried out by forklift operators, periodic, comprehensive in-service inspections should also be conducted and recorded.
The system is compatible with the electronic Safetrak system. There is a purpose-designed Safetrak comprehensive inspection module for forklifts, helping to eliminate paperwork and maximise efficiency for these specific procedures and processes. This can be totally customised to client needs.
For a paper-based alternative, The Black Book contains step-by-step guidance on safety and maintenance requirements and all the necessary documents you need to set up your own inspection management system. It includes the key steps in carrying out a risk assessment, including an easy to follow example. All inspection documents within The Black Book come in duplicate carbon copy paper, allowing separate copies to be kept by the inspector and the client. The conveniently sized, easy to carry protective binder is designed for ease of use out on site and permanent record storage.
For further HSE advice on workplace transport and the information on the Route Map visit www.hse.gov.uk/workplacetransport.
* James Baylis is marketing manager at Scafftag, 08 9336 5566.