Traffic Management
safety audit checklist

Site roads, pedestrian routes, banksmen, deliveries.

Every check below says what good looks like, when it passes, the regulation or HSE guidance it rests on and the defects that usually fail it. Critical checks are marked: a fail on one of those stops the activity.

1. 1.

   Traffic management plan displayed and followed
   What to look forSite plan showing vehicle routes, pedestrian routes, gates, parking, loading/unloading areas, exclusion zones. Updated as site progresses. Briefed at induction. Visible at site entrance and welfare. Signed by Principal Contractor.
   Acceptable whenCDM 2015 Reg 27(2), site organised so vehicles and pedestrians can move safely. Plan reviewed when phases change. HSG144, three principles: safe site, safe driver, safe vehicle.
   StandardCDM 2015 Reg 27. HSG144, The safe use of vehicles on construction sites. HSG136, Workplace transport.
   Common defectsTMP shows phase 1 layout but site now in phase 3Plan not displayed at gate, only in PC officeOperatives unaware of routes during inductionNo reverse plan for narrow sitePedestrian routes not shown clearly on plan
2. 2.

   Pedestrian and vehicle routes clearly separated
   What to look forPhysical segregation by barriers, kerbs or 1m visible buffer where practicable. Where shared use unavoidable, marked walkways with line marking and bollards. Crossing points minimised, marked and signed. Adequate visibility (no blind corners) at junctions.
   Acceptable whenCDM 2015 Reg 27, pedestrian and vehicular traffic separated where reasonably practicable. HSG144, physical barriers preferred over painted lines. Crossings minimised and clearly marked.
   StandardCDM 2015 Reg 27. HSG144. Workplace (HSW) Regs 1992 Reg 17.
   Common defectsPainted line only, operatives walking outside itNo barriers between pedestrian and HGV reverse areaCrossing point hidden behind material stackHeras fence used as barrier, knocked over by plantNo designated pedestrian crossings, operatives crossing wherever
3. 3.

   Speed limit signs displayed and observed
   What to look forSite speed limit (typically 5mph or 10mph) signed at entry and key points. Speed bumps where overrun common. Drivers visibly observing limit. Toolbox talks reinforce. Reverse alarms on all plant.
   Acceptable whenCDM 2015 Reg 27. HSG144, limits set considering pedestrian presence, ground conditions, visibility, distance to brake. Typical site limit 5-10mph; lower in confined or busy zones.
   StandardCDM 2015 Reg 27. HSG144. Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regs 1996.
   Common defectsNo speed limit sign at gateSign faded, illegibleDrivers exceeding limit, not enforcedSpeed bump installed where it shakes loads loose / damages cargoNo tachograph or speed monitoring on site dumpers
4. 4.

   Banksman in attendance for all deliveries
   What to look forTrained banksman (CITB Vehicle Marshal or equivalent) in hi-vis (different colour from operatives if possible, often red or orange). Standing in driver visibility, not behind vehicle. Hand signals per BS6736 / standard set. In radio contact for long reversing.
   Acceptable whenCDM 2015 Reg 27. HSG144, banksman/signaller required for all reversing where driver visibility limited. CITB Vehicle Marshal (formerly Banksman) competence card or equivalent training.
   StandardCDM 2015 Reg 27. HSG144 chapter 5. BS 6736:1986 (manual signals for crane drivers, also used for plant).
   Common defectsNo banksman, driver reversing on mirrors aloneBanksman in driver blind spot directly behind vehicleBanksman not visible in hi-vis in low lightUntrained operative acting as banksmanHand signals non-standard, confusion between driver and banksman
5. 5.

   Reversing operations controlled
   What to look forReversing minimised by site layout (drive-through where possible). Reverse alarms working on all plant and HGVs (white noise broadband preferred). Camera/sensor systems serviced. Banksman + 5-second stop check before reverse. No pedestrians within 6m exclusion.
   Acceptable whenCDM 2015 Reg 27. HSG144, reversing should be eliminated wherever possible. Workplace transport accidents account for ~30% of construction fatalities. Reverse alarm audible above ambient.
   StandardCDM 2015 Reg 27. HSG144. Workplace (HSW) Regs 1992 Reg 17.
   Common defectsReverse alarm silenced ("residents complain")Camera screen disconnected / blackLong-reverse manoeuvres performed without banksmanPedestrian exclusion not enforced during reverseNo drive-through option designed despite available space
6. 6.

   One-way system in operation where required
   What to look forWhere two-way traffic creates risk (narrow site roads, blind bends), one-way clearly signed at every entry. Arrows on ground reinforce. No-entry signs at exit. Briefed at induction. Periodic reinforcement when contractors change.
   Acceptable whenCDM 2015 Reg 27, traffic routes suitable for the persons or vehicles using them. HSG144, one-way preferred where two-way passing places under 2x vehicle width. Signage to BS EN ISO 7010.
   StandardCDM 2015 Reg 27. HSG144. BS EN ISO 7010:2020.
   Common defectsOne-way sign only at one end, entered wrong wayArrows on ground worn offSubcontractor delivery driving wrong way, not inductedNo-entry sign missing at exit gateOne-way no longer needed but signs remain, confusion
7. 7.

   Delivery area clear and level
   What to look forDesignated unloading area level (max 1:50 fall), firm enough for fully loaded HGV (no soft ground), large enough to swing trailer. Pedestrians excluded during unloading by physical barrier. Lighting for early/late deliveries. Telehandler/forklift travel route to storage clear.
   Acceptable whenCDM 2015 Reg 27. HSG144, unloading on firm, level surface; sufficient working area; pedestrians excluded. Loading/unloading area distinct from passing traffic.
   StandardCDM 2015 Reg 27. HSG144. HSG6, Safety in working with lift trucks.
   Common defectsSoft ground, HGV outrigger sinkingFalling slope, load shifts during unloadPedestrians walking through unload zoneForklift route blocked by stacked goodsNo lighting, early morning unload in semi-dark

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