Warning comes as HSE launches a website campaign
Falls from vehicles represent around one third of workplace transport accidents, warns Norwich Union Risk Services (NURS).
The warning comes as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launches a campaign to reduce the number of incidents related to "falls from vehicles" with a website dedicated to providing sound risk management advice.
Slips and falls account for over 27% of all cases reported to the HSE and around 35% of those injured have slipped on vehicle parts.
Steve Palmer, operations manager, motor for NURS, said: "The vast majority of falls from workplace vehicles are the result of slips and trips, during the loading and unloading of vehicles, or working at height where these actions are being supervised.
"It is the site manager's responsibility to oversee activities involving vehicles on workplace premises, whereas the fleet manager is responsible for procurement and vehicle safety features. Both parties should work together when conducting thorough risk assessments in an attempt to reduce the number of falls from vehicles.
"Drivers have an equal part to play in their own health and safety and that of others, by complying with any safe systems of work developed as a result of the employers risk assessment programme. There are several measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of potential accidents related to falls from vehicles," said Palmer:
