Vehicle-related deaths

The waste sector operates a great many road vehicles – big tough unforgiving vehicles that can and do kill pedestrians and road users.

WISH, HSE, CIWM, ESA and others have placed great emphasis on road and vehicle safety, primarily in relation to collect staff hit by passing and reversing vehicles. Meanwhile, there have been many deaths on the road of London, of cyclists hit by large vehicles from the waste and construction sectors.

Another fatal accident happened yesterday, where a young woman in her 30s was killed by a waste sector vehicle in West Dulwich.

A life lost. Distraught family and friends. A driver under arrest and now on bail, at risk of possibly life-changing prosecution that may result in a ban and loss of job, or imprisonment.

These are events that may not be preventable, though we must al take the greatest care. fleet operators should take steps to ensure the driving standard of their staff, and ensure vehicles are fitted where possible with better mirrors and is possible all-round cameras.

The mayor of London, Boris Johnson, announced yesterday a plan to require all HGVs to be fitted with safety devices to cut the death toll on London’s roads.

The fitting of life-saving sidebars or low skirts around  lorries will be monitored by a 16-strong “HGV taskforce” of police and government inspectors. Those who do not meet those tough new standards or face a £200 fine every day.

But its not just London. Think about your vehicles, and the effect on your staff, and your business, if you or one of your vehicles is involved in an accident on the roads. Make the vehicles as safe as possible, and demand the highest driving standards from your staff.

 

 

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