In-plant transport and traffic

Many products are almost constantly on the move prior to completion, with around 50% of the manufacturing process taken up by in-plant transport. As such, in-plant transport continues to play a considerable role in the incidence and severity of accidents in many sectors. In particular, in-plant transport and warehousing operations include the arrival, departure, loading and unloading of road and rail vehicles, manual and mechanical transport and the movement of goods and products into and out of storage.

Specific hazards are encountered at many points in the logistical chain, for example during the operation of material handling equipment or work carried out using loading ramps. A high standard of occupational safety and health can only be achieved on the basis of a blend of safety-conscious workplace design and operation, suitable transport systems and work equipment and appropriately qualified personnel.