Logistics · Case study
Turning a near miss into a clearer system of control.
An investigation for a logistics business in Glasgow into a vehicle–pedestrian near miss identified improvements to layout, communication and supervision.
The challenge
During a late shift, a pedestrian marshal entered a trailer bay while a shunter was repositioning. Nobody was injured, but the potential for serious harm was clear. CCTV indicated confusion around signals and bay allocation.
The approach
Review the circumstances
Established the sequence and examined the layout, communication and supervision around the work.
Separate conflicting activities
Introduced fixed barriers, a one-way vehicle arrangement and controls for adjacent bay movements.
Make status visible
Used bay-live beacons, clearer floor markings, mirrors and improved lighting.
Reinforce a shared method
Standardised signals and radio call-outs, supported by site-specific sign-off and practice.
What the work produced
- Investigation findings and action plan
- Changes to vehicle–pedestrian separation
- Agreed communication and bay-control rules
- Follow-up observations
The reported outcome
The project recorded no recurrence at the 12-week follow-up and consistent radio discipline observed during weekly leadership rounds.
This is a defined follow-up result, not a claim that future near misses are impossible. Continued supervision, maintenance and review are part of sustaining the controls.
This project was delivered by Safety Canvas Consulting. Client identity is not published.
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