Not to be missed Branch seminar from the North District

Workplace transport - a matter of life or death

22 January 2010

Workplace transport includes any vehicle that is used in a work setting, such as forklift trucks, compact dumpers, tractors or mobile cranes. It also includes cars, vans and large goods vehicles when these are operating on or off the public highway.

In many instances, companies think that ensuring their vehicles are kept in a reasonable condition, are insured, that the drivers have received relevant training and are in possession of the correct licences for the vehicles they drive then everything is fine.

 However, health and safety law applies to all workplace transport activities as it does to all other work activities, and the risks should be effectively managed within a health and safety management framework. In fact, the HSE recommends that the same or higher standards be applied to workplace drivers as are applied to those allowed to drive on public roads.

So what happens regarding on-site traffic plans, loading and unloading of vehicles, moving goods in a warehouse using FLT’s or reach trucks, driving on construction sites, or journey planning for fleet drivers and sales staff etc?

The IOSH Midland Branch, North District, are organising a seminar that should be of value to anyone who is involved in managing workplace transport of any type. This includes health and safety professionals, transport/fleet managers, warehouse managers, Principal Contractors and everyone else who has an involvement with this subject.

The seminar takes place at the Wedgwood Visitors Centre, Barlaston, Stoke on Trent on Wednesday, April 14 2010 and if the previous North District seminars are anything to go by, it will be well supported.

Speakers in attendance will be from the HSE as well as leading industry professionals. The North District Chairman, Mr Graham Kilford says, “This will be a first-class event with high calibre speakers which should appeal to everyone who deals with the management of workplace transport. Early bookings are strongly recommended”.

And what’s more, there will be an opportunity to take a look around the visitors centre and the award winning museum at this world famous pottery manufacturer.

Further information from Kajal Samat at IOSH or visit the event page.