What is this document?
INDG199 is the HSE's brief guide to workplace transport safety. It provides practical advice for reducing accidents involving vehicles in the workplace, whether that is a warehouse, construction site, factory, or any other location where vehicles operate near workers.
The guide focuses on common transport hazards and straightforward steps you can take to manage them. It covers everything from site layout to driver training and safe systems of work.
Who needs to read this?
- Small business owners with vehicles operating on their premises
- Warehouse and logistics managers overseeing forklift and delivery operations
- Site managers responsible for traffic management on construction or industrial sites
- Drivers and operators who need to understand safe working practices
- Health and safety representatives advising on transport risks
Key points covered
The guide addresses the main causes of workplace transport accidents:
- Safe site layout including separation of vehicles and pedestrians, one-way systems, and adequate lighting
- Vehicle selection and maintenance to ensure vehicles are fit for purpose and properly maintained
- Driver competence including training, licensing, and supervision requirements
- Safe loading and unloading procedures to prevent accidents at loading bays
- Reversing hazards and how to reduce risks from vehicles moving backwards
- Visibility and communication between drivers, pedestrians, and other workers
- Speed control and how to manage vehicle speeds on site
How this applies to you
Start by walking your site and observing how vehicles and people interact. Look for pinch points where vehicles pass close to pedestrians, areas with poor visibility, and any locations where reversing is common.
Consider whether you can separate vehicle routes from pedestrian walkways. If complete separation is not possible, use barriers, crossing points, and warning signs. Make sure all drivers are properly trained for the vehicles they operate.
Review your loading and unloading procedures. Ensure vehicles are properly secured before workers approach them. Consider whether banksmen or vehicle marshals are needed for complex manoeuvres.
For more guidance on managing workplace risks, see our workplace safety topic guide. If you operate lift trucks, you should also read our guidance on lift truck safety.