Organisation of traffic routes

[ch 6: pages 110-111]

Pedestrians and vehicles should be able to circulate safely (Regulation 17). Employers must make traffic routes “suitable” for the people and vehicles using them, using measures such as speed limits and one-way systems where necessary.

A guide to workplace transport safety (HSG 136), is available from HSE Books or can be downloaded from the HSE website.

During the coronavirus outbreak, the BEIS guidance on factories, plants and warehouses advises employers they will usually need to introduce steps including reducing movement by discouraging non-essential trips within buildings and sites, for example, restricting access to some areas, encouraging use of radios, telephones or other electronic devices, where permitted, and cleaning them between use.

Other measures include reducing job and equipment rotation; introducing more one-way flow through buildings; reducing maximum occupancy for lifts, providing hand sanitiser for the operation of lifts, and encouraging use of stairs wherever possible. They should also make sure people with disabilities are able to access lifts.

They should also look at reducing the occupancy of vehicles used for onsite travel, for example, shuttle buses, and managing the use of high traffic areas including corridors, lifts, turnstiles and walkways to maintain social distancing.