Plant and Pedestrian Segregation

Being struck by moving plant is one of the leading causes of fatal injuries on UK construction sites.
Segregation means physically separating pedestrian routes from areas where plant and vehicles are operating.
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require safe traffic routes for vehicles and pedestrians.
Excavators, dumpers, and telehandlers have significant blind spots where the operator cannot see a person.
Reversing vehicles are involved in a high proportion of plant-related fatal and serious injuries.
Physical barriers such as jersey blocks, Heras fencing, and painted walkways create effective separation.
A traffic management plan must be in place on every site where plant and pedestrians share the same area.
Banksmen and traffic marshals are required wherever vehicles must reverse or enter pedestrian areas.
High-visibility clothing helps operators see you but is not a substitute for physical segregation.
Mobile phones, earphones, and other distractions reduce awareness of moving plant around you.

Prevent fatalities	A person struck by an excavator or dumper has little chance of survival — physical separation saves lives.
Legal requirement	CDM 2015 and the Workplace Regulations require separation of pedestrians and vehicles on every construction site.
Protect everyone	Plant-pedestrian incidents affect workers, visitors, and the public — good segregation protects all parties on site.

Do

Don't

Use designated pedestrian walkways and crossing points at all times on site.
Make eye contact with the plant operator before approaching or crossing their path.
Wear high-visibility clothing as required by the site rules at all times.
Follow the site traffic management plan and obey all signs and speed limits.
Use a trained banksman when vehicles must reverse near pedestrian work areas.
Maintain physical barriers between pedestrian routes and plant operating zones.
Report any damaged barriers, missing signs, or breakdowns in segregation immediately.
Stay well clear of the swing radius of excavators and cranes at all times.
Wait for plant to stop before walking past or around it in tight areas.
Attend the site traffic management briefing and know the pedestrian routes for your area.

DON'T walk through plant operating zones or take shortcuts across haul routes.
DON'T approach plant from behind — always approach from where the operator can see you.
DON'T work on site without wearing the required high-visibility clothing.
DON'T ignore site traffic signs, barriers, or one-way system directions.
DON'T allow vehicles to reverse without a banksman in pedestrian-adjacent areas.
DON'T move or remove barriers separating pedestrians from plant operating areas.
DON'T assume an operator has seen you — blind spots can hide an entire person.
DON'T stand or work within the swing arc of any rotating plant or equipment.
DON'T walk between or behind moving vehicles — wait until they have fully stopped.
DON'T use mobile phones or wear earphones when walking through plant areas.

See also: Reversing & Banksman Procedures | Site Speed Limits & Route Planning

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