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Workplace Transport and Driving
Parking and reversing

Parking
Carelessly parked vehicles can create a risk of injury. Vehicles should preferably be parked in a dedicated parking area.
 
Pedestrian areas and walkways should be clearly marked, kept in good repair and (as far as possible) segregated from vehicle routes.
 
Parking areas should be level, firm, well lit, well drained and clearly marked. Where vehicles have to be parked on a slope, they should have their parking brakes applied, be left in gear (where safe to do so) and wheel chocks should be used where appropriate.
 
Drivers should never leave their vehicle without ensuring that the vehicle and its trailer are securely braked, the engine is stopped, the starter key removed, and any mounted equipment lowered to the ground. Use signs, instructions or any other measures you find necessary to make sure drivers brake their trailers properly.
 
If vehicles are left parked, make sure the keys are in a secure place.
 
Parking on a gradient
A piece of ground may look flat but it only needs a slight gradient for the vehicle or semi-trailer to move if their parking brakes are not applied.
 
Reversing
The most effective way of reducing the risks from reversing is to remove the need for it altogether by setting up one-way systems, e.g. drive-through loading and unloading. Where reversing is unavoidable, organise routes to minimise the need for it. Any single measure is unlikely to be enough to ensure safety you will probably need a combination of measures.
 
On sites where reversing is unavoidable:
  • Reversing areas should be planned out and clearly marked, and visible to drivers and anyone else in the area
  • People who do not need to be in reversing areas should be kept well clear
  • Increase visibility for drivers and pedestrians, e.g. make the area allowed for reversing as large as possible
  • installing fixed mirrors in smaller areas; keeping vehicle mirrors clean and in good repair
  • fitting refractive lenses to vehicle rear windows, or rear-view CCTV
  • Vehicle reversing alarms can be fitted. These should be loud and distinct enough to be heard above background noise
  • Visible systems such as flashing warning lights can be used
  • Physical stops, such as barriers or buffers at loading bays, can be used. They should be highly visible and sensibly positioned
  • Lateral white lines on the floor can help the driver position the vehicle accurately. Where vehicles reverse up to structures or edges, barriers or wheel stops can be used to warn drivers that they need to stop.
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