Vehicles

Vehicle operation can cause serious injuries or death as a result of collisions, roll-overs or crushing injuries. The major causes of injuries include:

  • Vehicle operation by an untrained or incompetent employee
  • Operation of a vehicle that lacks required safety equipment or has not been properly maintained
  • Overloading a vehicle beyond its capacity or carrying unstable or unbalanced loads

The regulations applying to vehicles are dependent on its capacity and whether it is operated on or off-highway.

  • Highway, as defined by the Motor Vehicle Act, Chapter M-17:
    • Capacity is determined as the difference between the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) provided by the manufacturer and the empty (curb) weight of the vehicle.

Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) – curb weight = capacity

When a vehicle with a capacity of one tonne (1000kg) or more is operated off-highway, as an employer, you must ensure that:

  • The vehicle is used only for the purposes for which it was designed and equipped.
  • The vehicle is operated by a competent employee.
  • The vehicle has all required safety equipment (adequate brakes, manually operated horn, rear-view mirror, audible back-up alarm that operates automatically, adequate head lights and tail lights).
  • Gears and moving parts are guarded.
  • Controls cannot be operated from outside the cab, unless designed for outside use.
  • Loads are secured.
  • The operator has three point contact to access the cab.
  • The vehicle is maintained in safe working condition.
  • The vehicle is not used until defective parts are repaired or replaced.
  • Air and hydraulic lines and components are maintained in safe working condition.
  • The vehicle is lubricated according to manufacturer's specifications.

Whenever a vehicle is used (on or off-highway and regardless of its capacity), as an employer you must ensure that:

  • Employees are protected from tire explosion during tire installations and inflation. A safety cage or other restraining device can be used for this purpose.
  • Blocks are used when the vehicle is raised on jacks or hoists.
  • Employees do not work under a raised vehicle unless the raised parts are blocked.
  • An employee gives signals to the operator of a vehicle that is backing up when the operator has limited visibility.
  • Precautions are taken to prevent roll-over when a vehicle is operated on a slope or bank.
  • Take measures to protect employees where dust may impede visibility.
  • If used as a power supply, make sure that wheel chocks or similar devices are used to prevent the vehicle from moving in a way that may harm an employee.

While the employer is ultimately responsible for all the provisions mentioned above, the supervisor has a vital role to play in the safety of their teams. As a supervisor, you must:

  • Acquaint your employees with the hazards and control measures associated with their work
  • Provide the information and instruction necessary to ensure their health and safety
  • Enforce company safety rules, programs, codes of practice and procedures, including ensuring employees comply with the requirements below.

Whenever a vehicle is used (whether on or off-highway and regardless of capacity), as an employee/operator you must:

  • Not carry persons on a part of the vehicle not designed to carry passengers.
  • Not store flammable substances in the vehicle's cab.
  • Park the vehicle on level ground with the brake set when the vehicle is not attended.
  • Not remove or inactivate any safety device unless replaced with a certified device of equal or greater safety.
  • Not operate a vehicle when a safety device has been removed or inactivated unless replaced with a certified device of equal or greater safety.
  • Inspect the vehicle daily to ensure safety devices are working properly.