Site safety is a crucial subject to tackle with LGV/HGV drivers. Site driving is a very different environment to driving on the public highway. There are different hazards, risks, and potential incidents to be aware of. This can be a big topic. The key is to focus on the safety issues that LGV/HGV drivers can directly influence.
- Pedestrians
As opposed to on public highways, pedestrians on a site should have all received training and be wearing high visibility clothing. Pedestrian zones should also be segregated, with clear signage. However, as your LGV/HGV drivers have probably experienced, they should never take safety measures for granted. Pedestrians can be unpredictable, straying if they are distracted, or taking shortcuts in a hurry, for example.
Another important point for drivers to remember is that every time they leave their cabs, they become pedestrians. Simple safety measures can easily be forgotten when a driver is concentrating on their own task.
- Parking
Parking can be far from simple on a busy site, with a lot of factors to consider. One risk is that drivers not expecting to encounter pedestrians, may not take the precautions they would when parking on a street, for example.
With a job to do and a tight turnaround time, it can be easy to rush out of a vehicle without checking whether the brake is applied. Or checking that the vehicle is not causing an obstruction. Drivers must remember never to leave keys in the vehicle.
- Loading and unloading
Two of the biggest possible issues during loading and unloading operations are drive-aways and vehicle movement (or creep).
Early drive-aways can be prevented by the driver leaving the vehicle until the loading/unloading operation is complete. If the driver is waiting inside the cab during loading and unloading, they should stow their keys in the glove box until the operation is complete.
Even with the park brake applied, vehicle creep can occur during loading/unloading, due to the vehicle rocking on its suspension. This widens the gap between the loading bay and the vehicle, posing a risk to anyone working in that area. The vehicle loader, machinery or goods can fall from the vehicle, posing a danger to the loader and anyone working in the vicinity.
- Manual Handling
Often overlooked by LGV/HGV drivers, and even their managers and supervisors, is the manual handling element of the driving role. Manual handling can cover such a broad range of actions, including picking something up off the floor, moving a roll cage, or tying a shoelace. So, what are the risks posed by manual handling tasks?
Manual handling injuries are the second most common injury type suffered in the workplace, and the main cause of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). There were 162,000 new work-related cases reported in 2021, with the rate of MSDs 50% higher in the logistics industry than the national average.
Reduce Risks with Driver CPC Training
A great way to raise awareness of site risks and to help keep safety front of mind is through Driver CPC Periodic Training. Members of the RTITB Driver CPC Consortium have access to over 40 modules for Driver CPC Periodic Training, including ‘Reducing Incidents in the Workplace’. Topics covered in the module include General Health and Safety, Assessing the Risks, General Site Safety, and Reversing.
The online Driver CPC Instructor’s Portal has everything trainers need to deliver these training modules effectively to heighten site safety and make Driver CPC hours really count.
To access the materials for Driver CPC for LGV/HGV drivers and PCV drivers, become a member of the RTITB Driver CPC Consortium today, or request a free 30-day demo of the training materials.
You can also contact our team now with any questions.