Vehicle and Pedestrian Route Hazard Checklist

Moving vehicles create a risk of accidents and injuries for those in the vehicles and pedestrians. Assessing vehicle and pedestrian routes helps identify hazards to factor into a risk assessment and reduce the chances of any incidents. This includes vehicles and routes both on and off site.

Risk assessments for many types of vehicles are useful, from vans and trucks to cars, forklift trucks, and golf buggies. Reviewing driving routes and any hazards related to the vehicle itself or the environment helps identify where you require control measures to improve safety. It could be on a construction site, in a warehouse, or when making deliveries.

To help create an effective risk assessment our health and safety experts have created this vehicle and pedestrian route hazard checklist to identify risks within your organisation. Answer the following questions below and use the results to form effective risk assessments. Then try our risk assessment software and create unlimited risk assessments online.

Slips, trips, and falls hazards

Are there any obstructions on external routes that could cause a slip, trip, or fall from:

Stored materials, work pieces, storage bins, or pallets?
Trailing leads supplying power tools, portable pumps, and pressure cleaners?
Loose decking and platforms?
Access routes blocked by general debris or waste bins?
Open or damaged manhole covers or inspection pits?
Unguarded edges on ramps and loading bays?
Uneven or pot-holed surfaces?
Do pathways need improved drainage in wet conditions to avoid flooding?
Do provisions for cold weather need improving (gritting in icy conditions)?
Does lighting need to be improved over pedestrian areas to improve visibility?

Falling object hazards

Are there any objects that could fall on people or vehicles such as:

Unstable freestanding stacks of goods or materials?
Unstable or sagging racking?
Objects carried by overhead gantry or hoists?
Loose electrical or mechanical equipment like lighting, pipework, or ventilation equipment?
Ladders or access equipment (towers and scaffolding)?
Loose objects on roofs (roof panels and guttering)?
Poorly supported overhead service pipes, cables, and ducts?
Uncovered overhead conveyor systems and chutes?

Electrical hazards

Is there any risk of persons receiving an electrical shock from:

Loose or broken sockets, switches, light fittings, conduits, and trunking?
Damaged cables or conduits?
Missing lids on trunking and control panels?
Trailing leads?
Exposed live parts of electrical switchgear including controls, motors, and pumps?
Is any item of electrical equipment poorly or dangerously positioned?

Substance-related hazards

Are there any substances used that could cause harm from contact or inhalation, such as:

Cleaning or degreasing chemicals?
Dusts from powdered goods or supplies?
Smoke or exhaust fumes from vehicles or combustion processes?
Do the procedures for cleaning up organic and chemical substance spills need improving?
Does the disposal of waste products from spills need improving?
Has any staff member complained of any persistent or increasing allergic reactions, such as running nose or eyes, coughing, sneezing, or itching skin?
Are there any new substances being used since the last review?

Fire hazards

Are flammable materials stored or used in a manner that could cause a fire, such as:

Any flammable substances on or near sources of heat or direct sunlight?
Any flammable substances that are not correctly stored in flameproof containers (such as solvents and adhesives)?
Any potential for a flammable substance to be spilled onto sources of heat or electrical equipment?
Flammable waste materials left in bins?
Chemicals that can react or spontaneously combust?
Do stored flammable substances require additional collision protection (railings and bollards)?

Traffic route layout hazards

Is there adequate protection provided for pedestrians or:

Does pedestrian/vehicle segregation need improving?
Do physical barriers need installing by vehicle routes?
Do traffic routes need to be more clearly marked?
Do extra warning signs need to be displayed?

Vehicle movement hazards

If moving vehicles can collide with pedestrians:

Are vehicles reversed without using banksmen?
Do banksmen need communication devices such as two-way radios?
Do fork-lift trucks need extra warning devices (beacons and sounders)?
Are additional pedestrian routes and crossing areas required?
Would a one-way system improve safety (if practical)?
Does the exterior light provide adequate lighting levels?
Can parking be improved to keep large vehicles apart from cars and pedestrians?
Can vehicle access routes be widened to improve safety?

Any identified hazard should be evaluated using a risk assessment. Enjoy a free-15 day trial of our health and safety software and create unlimited risk assessments in minutes. Start your trial online here.