The construction industry is a high-risk environment where various hazards constantly arise, not just for workers but for site visitors and members of the public.
A critical area of concern is vehicle traffic within and around construction sites. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), each year within the construction industry, approximately ten people die as a result of being struck by vehicles on site. Additionally, hundreds of preventable accidents and injuries occur annually, from minor incidents to severe, life-altering injuries.
At Total Lifting Services, we understand the importance of traffic management, especially during complex lifting operations. Keep reading to learn more…
Key issues within traffic management
Traffic management involves a wide range of measures and considerations designed to minimise risks to people and vehicles on a construction site. A well-planned traffic management strategy takes into account everything from pedestrian safety to minimising vehicle movement.
Keeping pedestrians and vehicles apart
A significant aspect of safe traffic management is keeping pedestrians and vehicles separated as much as possible. Construction sites can get busy with workers and machine operators moving in and out of the area.
- Entrances and exits. Designate separate entrances and exits for pedestrians and vehicles to minimise the chances of a collision. Clear signs should mark these points.
- Crossings. Pedestrian pavements should be clearly marked and fenced off from areas where vehicles operate. Provide safe pedestrian crossings with clear signage.
- Visibility. Ensure that pedestrian paths and vehicle routes have unobstructed views so drivers and pedestrians can see each other easily. Remove any obstructions that could block visibility, such as materials or parked vehicles.
- Barriers. Physical barriers, such as fences or bollards, should be installed to prevent vehicles from accidentally entering pedestrian zones.
Minimising vehicle movement
The number of vehicles moving around the construction site should be minimised. Fewer vehicles mean fewer opportunities for accidents, especially when it comes to heavy construction machinery.
- Limit vehicle entry. Only allow necessary vehicles to enter the work area. This can be achieved by establishing a controlled entry point and monitoring the vehicles entering and exiting the site.
- Plan storage areas. By placing storage areas for materials close to the site entrance, delivery vehicles don’t need to cross the site unnecessarily, which minimises vehicle movement and reduces risk.
- Workforce and visitor parking. Provide designated parking areas for workers and visitors away from the construction zone to avoid any unnecessary vehicle movement in work areas.
Competent people on site
The people operating vehicles and machinery on a construction site must be fully trained and competent. A significant number of construction vehicle accidents result from untrained or inexperienced workers attempting to drive construction vehicles without proper authority or supervision.
- Training. Employers should verify that all operators have the required training and certifications for the equipment they are using. For instance, lifting equipment operators should hold the appropriate certification under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER).
- Managing vehicle access. Ensure that only authorised personnel have access to construction vehicles. Use access control systems to regulate vehicle use.
- Raising awareness of risks. Workers should be made aware of the potential risks and dangers involved in operating or working around heavy vehicles.
Turning vehicles
Reversing is a major cause of fatal accidents on construction sites. To minimise the risk, sites should be designed with traffic flow in mind, reducing the need for vehicles to reverse or make sharp turns.
- One-way systems. Implementing one-way traffic systems wherever possible helps prevent the need for reversing. This can be especially useful in storage areas where space may be limited.
- Turning circles. Where space permits, design turning circles that allow vehicles to turn around without needing to reverse. This is particularly important for larger vehicles and machinery.
- Marshallers. Assign trained vehicle marshallers to assist drivers in navigating tight spaces safely, especially when reversing is unavoidable.
Visibility
Inadequate lighting and poor weather conditions can all contribute to accidents.
- Mirrors, cameras and sensors. All can assist drivers by increasing their field of vision and alerting them to potential hazards.
- Lighting. Adequate site lighting, especially in low-light conditions, maintains visibility for both drivers and pedestrians.
- High-vis clothing. Workers on-site should wear high-visibility clothing to ensure they are easily seen by vehicle operators.
Signs and instructions
Clear signage and instructions ensure that drivers and pedestrians understand the rules and routes on-site. Standard road signs should be used where applicable and traffic routes should be clearly marked.
- Standard road signs. Using familiar road signs on-site helps drivers and pedestrians understand traffic control measures quickly.
- Traffic routes. Traffic routes should be easy to follow and signs should be placed at key points to guide drivers and alert them to potential hazards.
Other hazards to consider in traffic management
In addition to the key issues outlined above, several other factors need to be taken into consideration when developing a traffic management plan:
Design factors
Gradients and sharp corners should be minimised due to the risk of vehicles losing control. Additionally, road surfaces should be suitable for any vehicles entering the site, providing enough traction and stability. Carefully planned junctions can reduce the potential for collisions by improving visibility and controlling vehicle speed.
Human error
Even with the best traffic management systems in place, human error can still result in accidents. Miscommunication and inadequate training can all lead to mistakes that put people at risk. Employers should address human factors by implementing shift rotations and breaks to prevent overworked employees from making mistakes. They should also provide adequate supervision to ensure that safety protocols are followed at all times.
Change management
Construction sites are dynamic environments and traffic management plans must evolve as the project progresses. For example, new storage areas or temporary structures may affect vehicle routes. Traffic management plans must include provisions for regular reviews and adjustments to ensure it remains effective throughout the project.
Construction traffic management with Total Lifting Services
At Total Lifting Services, we pride ourselves on delivering reliable crane lifting services for all types of projects. Whether we are lifting a hot tub over a residential property or organising a large-scale operation in a busy city centre, including road closures and major diversions, safe traffic management is always a priority.
Our expert team is trained in all aspects of traffic management, from planning efficient vehicle routes to ensuring pedestrians are protected at all times. Call our experienced team on 020 8226 4000 to find out more.
