How do we prevent accidents in trailer preparation?
Unfortunately we have suffered our first Lost Time Accident of 2012. A Driver failed to use the correct equipment and the correct method to close the Sliding roof on his trailer.
The accident would have been prevented had the 3 simple steps below been followed.
3 steps to prevent an accident:
1) - Pre Start Checks
Firstly, to prevent accidents, the Driver must ensure that their trailer is fit for purpose and they that they have the correct equipment before arriving to load, so ask the following questions:
• Do I have all the equipment I need?
– Personal Protection Equipment
– Roof Pole
– Number of straps
• Is my equipment in a good condition?
• Does my roof open and close easily?
2) - Defect reporting and maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential, and focus must be on frequent maintenance and lubrication of sliding roofs.
Preventative planned maintenance schedules are essential.
If a Driver encounters a problem with any aspect of his trailer then they must report the fault as soon as possible.
DO NOT LEAVE A PROBLEM TO THE NEXT DRIVER – WHAT IF THEY GOT INJURED TRYING TO REPAIR A FAULT THAT YOU KNEW ABOUT!!
3) – Use the correct equipment
All Drivers should have a Roof Pole when operating sliding roofs but do they use it??
Too many Drivers are not using the correct equipment, but use makeshift items like timbers and straps. Pulling on the locking pin release cable instead of the bar is also common.
These are accidents waiting to happen and indeed already have (see above alert bulletin)
When you need to open/close the roof, USE the roof pole and use correctly!!
Follow these simple steps and there should be no need for anyone to have an injury when preparing or closing trailers.
Please do not allow one of your Drivers to be the headline for the WRONG reasons in our next Newsletter.
