CLOCS: construction sector must do more on HGV risk
CLOCS (Construction Logistics and Community Safety), the construction industry safety initiative, has called for the sector to step up to raise safety standards, and emphasised the need for more public education about the risks posed by HGVs.
The organisation cites the latest STATS19 road collision data, which is the main source of statistics on road casualties in Great Britain, based on personal injury collisions as reported to police forces.
CLOCS highlights a “stubbornly high toll” of deaths and injuries among pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists involved in crashes with vehicles typically used in construction. Despite a reduction in total casualties over five years of 11 per cent, the organisation warns that serious injury and fatality rates remain “alarmingly high”.
In 2023, the organisation observes, “4,908 vulnerable road users (VRUs) were killed or injured in collisions with construction-type goods vehicles. 1,612 suffered serious injuries, and 169 lost their lives.
“Over the past five years, 900 people have died—that’s one life lost nearly every day.
“Despite HGVs making up just 1.3 per cent of UK traffic, they are involved in 9.4 per cent of all VRU fatalities. When combined with LGVs, that number jumps to over 20 per cent of all VRU deaths—a disproportionate risk that cannot be ignored.”
According to CLOCS programme director Andy Brooke, urgent action is needed.
“Any drop in casualties is a step in the right direction, but the numbers remain far too high,” he commented.
“Construction vehicles are still overrepresented in fatal crashes. Driver distraction and misjudgement are major factors – but VRU behaviour also plays a role. The industry must step up to raise safety standards, and the public must also be educated to be more aware of the risks.”
CLOCS called on more organisations to take responsibility.
“We’re working with some of the most forward-thinking companies in construction to drive change, but we need more leaders to step up. With planning authorities and clients increasingly demanding CLOCS compliance, momentum is building – but progress needs to be faster. Every company has a role to play in making our roads safer.”
CLOCS was founded in 2012 to improve safety in construction logistics. By working with planning authorities, clients, contractors, and fleet operators, the CLOCS Standard is said to ensure safer construction vehicle journeys and protect vulnerable road users.
The organisation says its scheme provides a clear and consistent approach to the procurement of construction activities, ensuring principal contractors and their supply chains are operating to defined national standards, thereby safeguarding vulnerable road users and the wider communities affected by construction works.
In addition, it provides members with access to knowledge, expertise and insights via working groups, meetings, online safety forums and a range of web resources.
