Villa-Real, Patrick Andrew I.

1200052
ME 5 - 4

Case Study on Workplace Transport

I actually had never had my On the Job Training last summer so what I did here
is to research on the Workplace Transport Safety Standard Procedures done in the
Industry. I listed everything that I think is important and very in line to our course. I also
red about the precautions and the risk assessment that is being done in the industry to
ensure the safety of both the people and resources.
But first let me define what Workplace Transport is all about. Workplace transport
refers to any vehicle that is used for the purposes of work by employers, employees or
visitors in any workplace. It covers a wide range of vehicles such as forklift trucks, cars,
vans, buses, small electric vehicles and lorries. It does not include the dangers
associated with driving on public roads, air or rail although loading and unloading
activities on the public highway are covered.
Every year a considerable number of accidents occur resulting in people being
killed or injured in incidents involving vehicles in the workplace. With better organising,
planning, training and awareness in relation to workplace transport safety, employers
can avoid most of these incidents.
When considering the risks it helps to break down your assessment in three
critical areas: vehicles, drivers and site hazards. There is a variety of risk controls which
can be introduced as follows:
Safe Vehicles - Employers should ensure the vehicles are safe and suitable for the work
which they are to be used for and ensure they are fitted with lights, horns and reflectors.
Staff or other people should not be carried on a vehicle unless they have a proper seat
and seat belt, where fitted.

Safe Driver - Drivers are also required to take sufficient breaks from driving at

appropriate intervals, for example a 15 minute break every 2 hours. As with all
activities, employees involved in driving will need to be aware of the safe system
of work for each particular driving activity.

Site Safety - A well designed and organised workplace will ensure workplace
transport accidents are less likely to happen. Vehicle traffic routes must be
suitable for the type and quantity of vehicles that use them.

Speed Control - Speed limit need to be displayed either on the road itself or by
signage. Fixed features are the best way to stop drivers travelling too fast, such

as speed humps and narrowing the road with bollards. Other examples include
traffic signals and the introduction of speed cameras. Where possible, restrict the
speed a vehicle can travel by fitting limiter devices to it. This is an especially
good idea when it comes to forklift trucks as they may not have a speedometer
fitted.

Loading and Unloading - All vehicles must have their brakes applied to prevent

unsafe movement during the loading and unloading of vehicles. The ground
needs to be flat and firm and where possible, ensure loading and unloading is
undertaken in areas away from passing traffic and pedestrians.

Parking - Employers should ensure that there are suitable designated parking

areas for all parking needs. These areas should be adequately lit, clearly laid out
and of suitable size for the amount and type of vehicle which will use the parking
areas.

Visiting Drivers - Visiting drivers should be provided with site rules, layouts,
directions and maps so that they know what to expect when they arrive. On their
arrival they will need to know what route to take, where to park and where
loading and loading will take place.

Risk assessment is the cornerstone of effective management of health and

safety in all circumstances. In relation to workplace transport it is vital that all activities
involving vehicles have been adequately assessed and control measures implemented
to reduce those identified risks.

Villa-Real, Patrick Andrew I.

1200052
ME 5 - 4

Case Study on Lock-Out Tag-Out

Workers servicing or maintaining machines or equipment may be seriously
injured or killed if hazardous energy is not properly controlled. Injuries resulting from the
failure to control hazardous energy during maintenance activities can be serious or fatal.
I think the problem with this situation was that the millwright was not really
supervised correctly. He was able to do the the lock-out procedure but there is no one
for him to verify his work. There should be atleast someone around with him to make
sure that every thing will be okay. Considering that he doesn't know the Electrical Safety
Standard and he isn't really trained.
I think the lockout/tagout standard would really now apply to his work because he
is the one who will do the next work. The standard would have been necessary if
someone is to work after him.
All employees who are authorized to lockout machines or equipment and perform
the service and maintenance operations need to be trained in recognition of applicable
hazardous energy sources in the workplace, the type and magnitude of energy found in
the workplace, and the means and methods of isolating and/or controlling the energy.
Electrical circuits shall be checked with proper and calibrated electrical testing
equipment. An electrical failure could energize the equipment even if the switch is in the
off position. Stored energy in electrical capacitors shall be safely discharged.

Villa-Real, Patrick Andrew I.

1200052
ME 5 - 4

Case Study on Fall Protection

Falls are among the most common causes of serious work related injuries and
deaths. Employers must set up the work place to prevent employees from falling off of
overhead platforms, elevated work stations or into holes in the floor and walls.
Falls in construction frequently involve slippery, cluttered, or unstable walking/
working surfaces, unprotected edges, floor holes or wall openings, unsafely positioned
ladders, and misuse of fall protection devices.
In the story stated from the previous page, a 40 year old laborer/helper died after
he fell from a 27 ft. Any fall from this height inevitably involves at least a serious injury.
The risks are substantial, however long or short the work. Many have been killed who
only meant to be on the roof for a few minutes to have a quick look or to carry out a
small repair.
How did it happen? It happen because of miscommunication and lack of use of
the proper Personal Protective Equipment. Working at this heigh was really risky and It
should have been apparent for anyone to use a protective equipment because this was
a very high platform to be in.
Another parameter that is missing while working to this high roof was the body
harness. They should have used a harness that will surely help them if accidental falls
happen. They should have used an equipment that atleast minimise both the distance
and consequences of fall.
The part of the roof where the incident happen was the damaged roofing. That
damaged roofing was truly fragile and should never been left unguarded. A fragile
material is one that does not safely support the weight of a person and any load they
are carrying. The fragility of a roof does not depend solely on the composition of the
material in it.
The miscommunication of the workers was also something to blame. The worker
who went out and left the damaged roof unguarded should have left something like an
indicator or a warning that he left the damaged roof unguarded to at least warn anyone
who will be caught in the area.

All in all, the problem in the incident can be accounted to the following:
ignorance in wearing PPE, miscommunication among workers, insufficient fall arrest
equipment and the lack of fall preventing initiative.