Operation of Vehicles - Abattoir

Transport activities in the place of work are a major cause of injury and death in the slaughterhouse industry. Fork lift trucks are used to unload, load and move materials around the work area. A variety of types of accidents may result from the use of Fork lift trucks. Examples include the collision of vehicles with pedestrians and workers or objects falling from a vehicle.

Basic controls to manage transport risks in your workplace include:

• There is a safe system of work to safeguard workers and pedestrians. This may take account of flashing beacons/audible warning devices on vehicles the separation of pedestrians; and use of high-visibility clothing.
• Vehicles are safe to drive, checked on a regular basis and maintained periodically (consider, steering, lights, brakes etc.).
• Workers are correctly trained and competent to recognise safe working procedures, capable of operating a vehicle and carrying out equipment checks
• The safe movement of vehicles and loads within the working area i.e.; the overhead clearance and width of roads; the use of barriers, consider areas where lift trucks meet other traffic or pedestrians, signs, mirrors, warning devices; ensure there are operating zones clear from obstruction and there is good lighting, a safe loading capacity and solid /level grounding.
• Ensuring that there are protective features where practicable, i.e. head protection, roll-over protective structures (ROPS) and  restraining systems.

Disclaimer

It is imperative that you conduct your own risk assessment, relevant to your workplace. The content of this website is for direction purposes only and in no way substitutes your duty to consider all the hazards present in your workplace. The Safety Supply Company has made every effort to make sure that the content of this website is correct; however no legal responsibility will be accepted should any misleading statements, errors, or omissions occur. In no event will The Safety Supply Company be held liable for any damages arising out of the use of the information provided by information contained in this website.

Below is equipment that we have chosen as especially relevant to some of the hazards listed above.