7 December 2004 - Vehicle Accident Risks to Children and Pedestrians in Playground Areas
A conference, as part of the HSEs' Workplace Transport Safety project, will take place at Millfield Preparatory School, Glastonbury, on 14 December 2004, with Somerset and Cornwall's LEAs' assisting the HSE. There will be speakers from the HSE, the Department for Education and Government Officials from the South West, Cornwall County Council and Somerset County Council.
The conference aims to reinforce the message that the need to prevent vehicle accident risks within school areas is required by Local Education Authorities.
The Health and Safety Inspector for the South West commented:
"In the South West, we have investigated a number of serious accidents and complaints in recent years and these incidents have identified an increased need for LEAs and schools to manage these risks.
"The best method of preventing these kinds of accidents is to physically separate pedestrians and vehicles, and by avoiding the reversing of larger vehicles such as coaches and minibuses. We are delighted to be working with Somerset and Cornwall LEAs and I hope the conference will help all councils in the region to develop strategies for improving risks in their schools. Being aware of the dangers can only benefit the safety of pupils, staff and visitors alike."
Article by Alexandra Johnston
