Top Tip Tuesday - Traffic Management

T – TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Consistently for many years, being struck by a moving vehicle is unfortunately the second highest reason for fatalities in the workplace. The movement of plant, vehicles and pedestrians should be correctly planned and communicated to employees. The development of a traffic management survey is the starting point for organisations. Once complete, the preparation of a bespoke traffic management should follow.

The following should be considered when preparing a traffic management plan:

• Protection for pedestrians, segregation with physical barriers will offer the best protection and greatly reduce the chance of a collision with a pedestrian.
• Traffic routes need to be suitably signed, regularly checked, maintained, and have sufficient room for vehicle movements
• If there are no space constraints a one-way system would help to reduce any reversing and will help to prevent vehicles colliding with each other.
• Any pedestrian doors or gates that lead onto traffic routes need to be situated so that there is a clear view by pedestrians of approaching vehicles
• All reversing vehicles need to be banked by a trained and competent banksman or vehicle marshal
• Adequate lighting needs to be provided for vehicles and pedestrians during work at night or at times when vision is restricted.
• All users of vehicles are trained and competent 
• All traffic management plans need to be communicated to employees in their induction on day one of them arriving on site.

We also need to review our traffic management plans; this will ensure that any improvements or issues can be identified and implemented. If there are any changes to site layouts, work processes, equipment, or personnel we will also need to review these plans in the unlikely event of an incident.

Need more help on this? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.