HSENI | Manufacturing sector | Workplace Transport | Unannounced Inspections

HSENI has announced that it will be carrying out a workplace transport inspection campaign at manufacturing premises across Northern Ireland.

The inspection campaign will run throughout Autumn, starting in September 2023. 

Speaking on the upcoming campaign, HSENI Principal Inspector (Manufacturing) Anne Boylan said:

“Workplace transport incidents continue to be an area responsible for fatalities and major injuries in the manufacturing sector. The main causes of injury are people falling from vehicles, being struck by or crushed by them and vehicles overturning.

“Beginning in September HSENI Inspectors will be visiting premises throughout Northern Ireland to ensure effective controls are in place to manage the risks associated with workplace transport.” 

To manage the risks from workplace transport effectively, employers and those in control of premises need to consider the following three key areas:

Safe Site:

Is there a site specific traffic management plan in place?
Are pedestrians and vehicles adequately segregated?
Are appropriate one-way systems in use where possible?

Safe Vehicle:

Are measures in place to ensure vehicle all-round visibility?
Are procedures in place to carry out pre-use checks and to report defects?
Have statutory examinations been completed for vehicles used for lifting?
Are vehicles provided with horns, lights, reversing alarms where necessary?

Safe Driver:

Do drivers hold adequate licenses / training certificates for the vehicles they are authorised to drive?
Is there a program of driver refresher training in place?
Are there measures in place to prevent drivers falling from heights during loading/ unloading, sheeting / loading activities? 

The following link provides a checklist to assist you in reviewing the current arrangements at your premises.  This checklist will form part of the HSENI inspection process:

Workplace Transport Campaign - Manufacturing Sector Checklist

A resource list for further information on workplace safety in the manufacturing sector can also be found at the following link:

Workplace Transport Campaign - Manufacturing Sector Resource List

HSENI Inspectors will be providing information and advice during the inspection campaign. Where significant risks are found, Inspectors may take enforcement action in order to achieve compliance with health and safety legislation to ensure that the risks are properly managed.

Practical guidance to help employers review their current health and safety arrangements at their premises and a checklist which will form part of the HSENI inspection process and can be downloaded below:

• http://www.hse.gov.uk/workplacetransport/index.htm(external link opens in a new window / tab)
• http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg199.pdf(external link opens in a new window / tab)
• http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg136.pdf

Article from HSENI press release.