Risk Assessment: Use of Road Plates Risk Assessment¶
Document Information
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Document Reference | RA21 |
| Issue Number | 2 |
| Issue Date | 1 June 2026 |
| Next Review | 1 June 2027 |
| Prepared By | Sean Ashton |
| Approved By | Aaron Mason, Director |
Risk Assessment¶
| Activity/Process | Hazard | Who/What Affected | Existing Controls | Pre-Control Risk (S/L/R) | New Controls Required | Post-Control Risk (S/L/R) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selection of appropriate road plates | Selection of road plates with inadequate load-bearing capacity or incorrect dimensions | Vehicles and pedestrians - risk if plates fail under load • Operatives - injuries during installation • Underground services/excavations - damage if plates collapse |
• Road plates selected with appropriate load-bearing capacity for expected traffic • Plates sized to extend minimum 300mm beyond excavation edges on all sides • Thickness determined based on span and anticipated loads • Selection considers pedestrian and vehicle traffic • Only plates in good condition used • Pre-use inspection for structural integrity |
5/3/15 (High) | • Implement mandatory pre-installation checklist to verify appropriate plate specification Site Supervisor, before each installation |
5/2/10 (High) |
| Lifting and handling road plates | Manual handling injuries during lifting and positioning • Crush injuries from dropped plates • Vehicle and mechanical handling risks |
Operatives - musculoskeletal injuries, crush injuries, fractures • Others in vicinity - injuries from falling/shifting plates |
• Mechanical lifting devices used for metal road plates • Plates equipped with lifting points where appropriate • Lifting operations planned by competent personnel • Exclusion zones established around lifting operations • GRP footway plates provided for manual handling where suitable • Manual handling training provided • Team lifting for heavier items • Weight communicated to handlers • PPE including safety footwear and gloves |
4/3/12 (High) | • Develop specific risk assessments for different plate installation scenarios Health & Safety Manager, within 2 months |
4/2/8 (Moderate) |
| Installing road plates over excavations | Inadequate support for plates • Movement of plates under traffic • Trip hazards from raised edges • Collapse of excavation sides under load |
Road users - injuries if plates move or fail • Pedestrians - trips on raised edges • Operatives - injuries from excavation collapse |
• Excavation sides verified as stable before installation • Sufficient bearing area ensured around excavation • Minimum 300mm bearing on solid ground all sides • Plates recessed/secured with countersunk bolts where necessary • Appropriate ramping with bituminous material if not recessed • Secured against movement using fixings or bituminous seals • Installations checked/signed off by competent person • Traffic management during installation/removal |
4/3/12 (High) | • Implement mandatory inspection of excavation support before plate installation Site Supervisor • Provide specialized training on road plate installation Leanne Mason, within 2 months |
4/2/8 (Moderate) |
| Using road plates in vehicular areas | Loss of vehicle control (skidding) • Movement of plates under traffic • Noise disruption from loose plates • Vehicle damage from raised edges |
Road users - injuries/fatalities in accidents • Vehicles - damage from raised edges or movement • Local residents - noise disturbance |
• Road plates with appropriate skid resistance selected • Plates secured against movement with fixings or bedding • Warning signs placed in advance of plated areas • Speed restrictions implemented where appropriate • Regular monitoring and maintenance • Plates recessed flush where possible • Anti-skid coatings applied where necessary • Noise-dampening materials used • Edge transitions designed to minimize impact |
5/3/15 (High) | • Establish mandatory daily monitoring program for plates in high-traffic areas Site Supervisor • Develop specific traffic management plans for different scenarios Traffic Management Specialist |
5/2/10 (High) |
| Using footway plates for pedestrian areas | Trip hazards from plate edges • Slipping hazards (especially when wet) • Inadequate support for mobility devices |
Pedestrians (especially elderly, visually impaired, disabled) - injuries from trips and falls • Wheelchair/mobility scooter users - difficulty crossing or accidents |
• Footway plates with slip-resistant surfaces used • Edges ramped or chamfered to minimize trips • Warning signs placed where necessary • Plates secured to prevent movement or lifting • Appropriate thickness to prevent flexing • Regular inspections to ensure correct positioning • Plates kept clean for slip resistance • Consideration for disabled users • Alternative routes provided where possible |
3/4/12 (High) | • Provide regular cleaning of footway plates in high-traffic areas Site Supervisor |
3/2/6 (Moderate) |
| Inspecting and maintaining road plates | Failure to identify damaged/deteriorated plates • Inadequate monitoring of position and security • Failure to respond to public concerns |
All road users and pedestrians - risk from poorly maintained plates • Company reputation - damage from perceived negligence |
• Regular inspections conducted while in use • Damaged/deformed/worn plates removed from service • Maintenance records kept • Public concerns promptly investigated • Regular cleaning to maintain skid resistance • Anti-skid coatings reapplied when worn • Securing mechanisms checked during inspections • More frequent inspections in adverse weather |
4/3/12 (High) | • Establish maintenance program including regular refurbishment SLT • Consider implementing QR codes linking to inspection database Technical Manager, within 6 months |
No risk score provided |
| Removal of road plates | Premature removal leaving unprotected excavations • Manual handling injuries during removal • Damage to road surface/excavation • Traffic obstruction during removal |
Operatives - musculoskeletal injuries • Road users - risk from traffic disruption • Public - risk from inadequately protected excavations |
• Plates only removed when excavations ready for immediate backfill • Mechanical lifting devices used for metal plates • Traffic management in place during removal • Temporary barriers immediately placed when plates removed • Excavations backfilled promptly after removal • Removal planned to minimize disruption • Plates inspected for damage after removal • Road surfaces checked and repaired if necessary |
4/3/12 (High) | • Develop specific risk assessment for plate removal operations HSQE • Provide additional training on safe removal techniques HSQE |
4/2/8 (Moderate) |
| Using road plates in adverse weather | Increased slip hazards in wet/icy/snowy conditions • Reduced excavation stability during heavy rain • Changes in ground conditions affecting support |
Road users and pedestrians - increased accident risk • Operatives - risk from excavation instability |
• Enhanced skid resistance plates used in wet/icy areas • Additional warning signs during adverse weather • Increased inspections during/after weather events • De-icing materials applied during freezing conditions • Drainage considered to prevent water accumulation • Weather forecasts monitored • Excavations inspected for stability after heavy rain |
4/4/16 (High) | • Consider alternative solutions to road plates for long-term excavations during winter SLT |
4/2/8 (Moderate) |
Key:¶
- S = Severity (1-5 scale)
- L = Likelihood (1-5 scale)
- R = Risk Rating (S × L)
- Risk Levels:
- Low (1-3)
- Moderate (4-8)
- High (9-15)
- Very High (16-25)
Related Documents¶
- Chapter 8: Traffic Signs Manual
- Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice