Extra safety regs for mobile equipment users

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) is warning users of mobile work equipment, including forklift trucks and dumper trucks, that additional safety regulations apply to all such equipment.

"For new equipment the requirement to comply with Part III of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 (PUWER 99) has been in effect since 29 June 1999. But for equipment in use before that date a transitional period was included. That transition period expired yesterday," said HSENI chief executive Jim Keyes.

"The serious safety risks involved in the use of mobile equipment include: being struck by the vehicle; the vehicle rolling over; the driver or passengers falling from the vehicle or being struck by a falling object; unauthorised start up of the vehicle; inadequate devices for braking and stopping; and restricted driver visibility. Part III of PUWER addresses these risks by requiring duty holders to ensure their equipment is safe to use.

"HSENI is committed to reducing the number of deaths involving mobile work equipment. Last year four people were killed and more than 60 were injured in accidents involving workplace transport. The coming into effect of Part III of PUWER 99 will contribute to reducing the unacceptable level of deaths and injuries," he said.