Page 1646 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive
P. 1646
Safety, Health, Environmental & Quality Bulletin No 617
26 April 2018
Use of Vehicle as Barrier
In a recent near miss one of our vehicles was being used as a barrier when a car entered site and collided
with the front of our vehicle.
Our vehicle was positioned near the site entrance and was used as a barrier protecting the work area and
MEWP. The driver hit the corner of the front bumper of our vehicle and sped off without stopping.
It is Xmo Strata’s policy to always use a vehicle as a barrier where possible, and this incident is an
example of why that policy is in place; a damaged van is far easier to repair than an injured person.
Always assess the risk from vehicles entering the site, remember some sites the traffic may be entering
at high speed, and possibly in reduced visibility due to weather conditions. Always use the vehicle as a
barrier unless there are very specific reasons on site why this is not possible – document those reasons
on your clearance certificate with alternative means of how adequate protection is being achieved.
Remember that if the vehicle is hit it will move, allow adequate space between your barrier/vehicle and
your work area, remembering the 3 metre buffer zone rule.
If you have any questions or problems setting up your work area, contact your line manager
immediately.
