According to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, almost 3 million people in the European Union suffered workplace accidents in 2021. 3,347 accidents resulted in fatalities. This means that the number of victims has fallen by 22% compared to 2010. This positive development is due to occupational safety measures.

Simple measures lead to great success, especially in the area of ​​traffic safety on company premises. The causes of accidents here include collisions between people and vehicles or drivers who lose control of their vehicle. The European framework directive for safety and health at work (Directive 89/391/EEC) and the German occupational health and safety regulations require employers to take all reasonable measures to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees at work.

Any employer operating in the transport sector, recruiting and training drivers, employing subcontractors or having external drivers arriving at their premises should carry out a risk analysis and take appropriate measures to eliminate or control the identified risks.

Safe traffic routes

A common cause of serious or fatal accidents at work is the life-threatening collision of people and vehicles on traffic routes. Traffic routes are paths, corridors, stairs, aisles, loading ramps or loading bays, driveways and railway tracks, in buildings or in the outdoor area of ​​a company premises, which are used by pedestrians and vehicles.

Guidelines for safe traffic routes:

• Traffic routes should be wide enough so that even the largest vehicles can move safely
• The surfaces should be suitable for vehicles and pedestrians, i.e. stable, flat and without water accumulation
• Outdoor traffic routes should comply with the requirements for public roads
• Avoid a steep slope
• Avoid sharp corners and blind curves
• Keep traffic routes clear of obstacles
• Make sure they are clearly marked and signposted
• Ensure proper maintenance of traffic routes

Any area where vehicles are traveling or where vehicles and pedestrians intersect must be adequately lit and marked. Drivers must be able to clearly see dangers and pedestrians must be able to see vehicles in good time. Traffic mirrors can provide the necessary overview at confusing intersections and driveways.

Separating pedestrians and vehicle traffic

The most effective way to ensure the safety of pedestrians and vehicles in the workplace is to establish separate traffic routes. The separation can be done, for example, by railings. Cyclists who may use pedestrian paths must also be taken into account. Use appropriate prohibition and mandatory signs to create clarity. The number of different road users can vary depending on the time of day on company premises. Therefore, risks can be reduced by limiting vehicle traffic when there are numerous pedestrians, such as during shift changes.

One-way streets are also a good solution for protecting pedestrians and drivers, as they largely prevent vehicles from reversing. Reversing causes about a quarter of all fatal workplace accidents involving vehicles. It can also result in expensive property damage.

Barriers and road markings

If complete separation of pedestrians and vehicles is not possible, the best route must be clearly marked and signposted. There must be clear signs at the points where footpaths and roadways intersect painter be in place to enable pedestrians to cross the roadways safely. Guardrails and barriers not only provide a visual guide that directs pedestrians to safe paths, but they can also stop vehicles if they get out of control.

Barrier cones and mobile barriers are further options for visually demarcating traffic routes. You can also alert drivers to obstacles, accidents or construction sites. They should be placed close enough to each other to create the impression of a continuous line.

Vehicles and pedestrians can also be separated using road markings. Thermoplastic Ribbons are ideal for high visibility markings and sprays are a good, versatile and multi-surface solution when markings need to be applied quickly. A floor marking device is recommended for application so that the lines are straight and the paint application is even.

Speed ​​regulation on driveways

Accidents often occur due to excessive speeds. The speed should be reduced, especially on company premises, as various vehicles, pedestrians and often cyclists come into contact here. In reality it often looks different. Due to the general deadline pressure, delivery vehicles race through parking lots and driveways. At the entrance, use traffic signs to point out what is permitted Top speed there. Road bumps are also ideal for slowing down.

Loading disasters

People who are not busy loading or unloading should stay away from loading docks and loading bays as these areas have a high potential for danger. Safe intersections must be established for pedestrians. Appropriate signage ensures clarity.

There should be a reliable traffic management system that is known to everyone involved and indicates exactly which vehicles will arrive and when. This ensures that each vehicle is assigned the correct loading ramp. Safety systems should take effect in special situations, for example when drivers are late and miss the scheduled time slot.

Some Loading disasters are located more than one meter above the ground and therefore pose a fall hazard for employees working at this height. Loading ramps or loading bays can be provided with barriers such as guard rails, which are installed so that goods can be transported over or under them in a safe manner. Removable railing parts and extendable barriers are also a practical solution.

Loading areas must be inspected regularly to ensure there are no obstacles and other hazards such as potholes that could impede safe vehicle movements. Traffic can be effectively controlled and controlled with traffic lights and barriers.

Outdoor hazards

Major outdoor hazards arise in areas where commercial vehicles such as forklifts and trucks perform certain maneuvers, such as tipping loads. Employers must ensure that drivers appropriate training to avoid dangerous events such as tipping over. In addition, workers should be protected from dangers by clear warning signs.

When working at heights, e.g. B. on ladders, stairs or roofs, fall prevention is a high priority, especially since falls from height are the second most fatal work accidents. Employers must always ensure that work is properly supervised and appropriate safety precautions are used. If there is a risk of falling objects, employees must wear the correct personal protective equipment and appropriate warning signs must indicate the risks.

Also tight spaces can be dangerous. The reasons are lack of oxygen, accumulation of dangerous gases and the risk of fire and explosion. Just like when working at heights, a thorough risk analysis should be carried out for confined spaces. Persons working in these areas must be properly trained and equipped with the appropriate skills Protective equipment must be provided.

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