LAML Emphasises Health and Safety in Latest MAN-TP HSW Meeting
Recently LAML hosted the monthly Manchester Airport - MAN-TP Health and Safety at Work (HSW) Meeting. This essential forum brings together client representatives and subcontractors at Manchester to share best practices and tackle health and safety issues across ongoing projects. Jon Wigman, our Site SHEQ Manager, delivered a presentation on the safe loading and unloading of vehicles at the site.
In the UK, every year, workplace transport incidents lead to accidents and fatalities due to inadequate safety arrangements. A significant contributing factor is poor planning. Issues such as insufficient lighting, unclear signage, inadequate walkways, and unsafe loading and unloading practices are frequent culprits behind these incidents.
Jon's presentation addressed these critical issues, focusing on the major causes of vehicle-related accidents and preventive safety measures. These measures include proper training for loading and unloading, regular vehicle inspections and maintenance, and adherence to safe working practices.
He highlighted several major causes of accidents:
Being Struck by a Moving Vehicle: This common occurrence includes incidents where workers are hit by reversing vehicles or vehicles that have not been properly secured.
Falling from Height: Workers are at risk of falling from vehicles while accessing loads, especially if the vehicles lack proper steps or handholds.
Being Crushed by Falling Objects: Poorly secured loads can fall during unloading, leading to serious injuries or fatalities.
Being Trapped Between Vehicles: There is a risk of workers being trapped between the vehicle and another object, such as a platform, or another vehicle, during unloading operations.
At LAML, we are committed to ensuring that our sites maintain safe operating practices. This includes segregating pedestrians from vehicles wherever possible, establishing separate parking for visitors unfamiliar with the site, and enforcing a reverse parking requirement.
We have implemented one-way routes where feasible and created suitable crossing points for areas where vehicles and pedestrians might intersect. Our sites are equipped with clearly visible signage and line markings to indicate routes, speed limits, and crossings. Adequate lighting is maintained in all areas where vehicles and people operate to enhance safety. We also strive to keep road surfaces firm and even.
In the LAML compound, we have designated a safe loading and unloading area to minimize risks. Our implemented control measures in this area include:
Safe Loading and Unloading Area:
Cones are strategically placed to prevent vehicles from entering the area inadvertently.
Safety signage reinforces the importance of caution in these zones.
Only vehicle and telehandler operators are permitted within this area.
Toolbox talks are regularly conducted to reinforce safety measures and maintain high levels of awareness among all employees.
Active CCTV monitoring records and reviews any incidents, providing a feedback loop for continuous improvement.
At LAML, our dedication to health and safety is paramount, reflecting our commitment to not only meeting but exceeding industry standards. This dedication ensures the well-being of our team and the efficiency of our operations, underscoring our position as a leader in the field.