Briefing for Stakeholders on the Workplace Transport Campaign 2007
- HSE are launching a major national publicity campaign in October 2007.
- The campaign will focus on falls from vehicles, especially falls from low heights i.e. below head height.
- The Campaign aims to raise awareness of the risk of falling that workers are exposed to when accessing and/or working at height on vehicles and the actions that should be taken to minimise these risks.
- Included in the campaign will be follow up inspections during the months of October, November and December in the construction industry.
- There will also be education and promotional events in partnership with businesses and trade unions.
What is the background to the Transport Campaign?
- 3 million people in UK work with/near vehicles in UK and annually there are 2000 people seriously injured as a result of falling from a vehicle.
- 90% of the injuries are from low falls, i.e. from below head height
- On average there are 5 people killed each year as a result of a fall from a vehicle.
· On the basis of the number of incidents involving falls from vehicles, that we know of, the estimated economic and human cost is about £36.7 million.
Construction Specific Information
- The construction industry usually accounts for 20% of all fatalities, 10% of all major injuries and for about 15% of 3-day injuries every year.
- Falls From Vehicles (FFV) accidents occur mostly when operatives are
Working on & loading/unloading the vehicle and getting on and off (access & egress)
- A high proportion of construction accidents are occurring on flat bed vehicles and HGV’s, which in the construction industry are mostly our delivery vehicles.
- For all other industries it would appear that three-quarters of those injured are delivery drivers, in particular HGV drivers. However in Construction, 70% of all FFV injuries occur to non-drivers, those who are involved in the unloading of delivery vehicles.
Who is our target audience?
- Site managers or persons who are directing the activities undertaken on the vehicles and in control of how they are carried out.
- Those operatives who may access a vehicle to load or unload it on site.
- The campaign will also be contacting vehicle manufacturers and trailer builders that have a control over the safety features provided on the vehicles.
- Financial/Transport/Logistic/Engineering managers etc that have a control over vehicle procurement and the safety features provided.
What are our target industries?
- Construction Products – in particular concrete products, timber roof trusses and structural steel.
- Vehicle manufacturers and trailer builders.
- Third party logistics providers, road haulage, distribution and pallet networks.
- Wholesale/general warehousing.
What are our key messages?
- Influence attitudes to accessing and working at height on vehicles to encourage those in control of the work to select the most appropriate equipment for the job and ensure its proper use.
- Increase awareness of targeted employers and employees of the need for safe working on vehicles, even at low heights, and the precautions they need to take.
- Ensure arrangements are in place with haulage companies & suppliers that include planning for the safe unloading of goods before the site becomes active, and that responsibilities are clear.
- Ensure vehicle/trailer manufacturers are aware of vehicle access issues including appropriate safety measures, incorporate these features into their vehicles & bring them to the attention of their clients.
What we would like from stakeholders?
- We would like commitment and buy-in for the campaign from the industry.
- You can contribute to making the campaign a success by publicising it to your members, holding events, providing case studies to HSE of the benefits of taking action, acting as a corporate champion etc
- There will be some funding available for organising events in support of the campaign. Details of the funding are available from the HSE Campaign Manager: Rachel Corbridge, HSE, Grove House, Skerton Road, Manchester, M16 0RB, ( 0161-9528200
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- The lead for the campaign for the construction industry is Sarah Hague, HSE, Marshalls Mill, Marshall Street, Leeds, LS11 9YJ,
( 0113 2834200 › This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
How to keep up to date with developments in the campaign
· Subscribe to the campaign e bulletin on the HSE web site campaign page:
www.hse.gov.uk/fallsfromvehicles/