Safe sites

Key messages

Employers and duty holders must make sure that the working site is suitable for the vehicle to operate safely.

Questions to ask

Your risk assessment should include answers to these questions:

• Is the ground where the vehicle will be parked firm and level?
• Are there puddles or mud that could make rungs, steps and walkways slippery and unsafe?
• Are there other permanent features that might prevent people from climbing on vehicles? For example, stairs folding out from a fixed platform, or a stepped wall to allow drivers to walk up to their cab.
• Are there sometimes strong winds on site? Gusts of wind can knock workers off balance, or affect opened doors or hatches on vehicles. You need to recognise the effects of strong wind and manage them.

If work has to be done above ground level, and permanent, safe access cannot be achieved using platforms, gantries or other site measures, arrange other types of safe access.

Moveable steps (not attached to the vehicle) are safer to climb than vehicle-mounted ladders.

Think about signs showing trip, slip, fall or other general hazards wherever there is a significant risk of an accident. But do not put up so many signs that drivers ignore them as part of the 'background'.