We have had 3 recent incidents of drivers falling from trailers whilst trying to repair their sliding roofs.
1st October 2010 - Alert bulletin sent 19th October
The IP was preparing his trailer for loading outside of V door loading bay. He was attempting to open his sliding roof which appeared to be stuck. The IP has improvised by using a ratchet strap looped around the draw cord which releases the pins of the sliding roof to enable it to slide forward. However in pulling on the ratchet strap the IP turned around with his back to the door when the draw cord came loose from its fixing and he fell approx 1.2mt backwards onto the ground, hitting his head on the floor.
The IP suffered very bad bruising to his lower back and was signed off work for 6 weeks.
The IP was wearing full PPE including helmet with chin strap which has basically saved his life!
10th January 2011
The IP had unloaded at the customer and was preparing to close his roof when it jammed towards the rear of the trailer. The IP asked for a ladder to be able to climb up and fix his roof. Whilst on the ladder and knocking the sliding mechanism with a hammer, the ladder slipped and he fell to the ground.
PPE requirement at the customer is only for high-viz vest and safety shoes - therefore the IP was not wearing a helmet or chin strap.
He was very lucky to only suffer superficial bruising to his hip and a sprained wrist.
18th January 2011
The IP had problems opening his roof to load at the Thrybergh Mill, Rotherham and so was sent away. Instead of leaving site, he re-joined the queue to load to try and sort the roof himself. This area has no safety platforms.
In trying to pull on the roof, the roof suddenly slipped back into place, causing the IP to fall backward off his trailer.
Luckily he only suffered a sprained right wrist.
Summary
All 3 drivers were very lucky not to be seriously injured or killed.
Essential Requirements
- Drivers should not try to resolve sliding roof problems by climbing up the sides of their trailer
- Always ask for assistance
- Never use excessive force
- Sliding roofs must be regularly inspected and maintained
- Always use a Roof Pole to operate Sliding roofs
- Defects in Sliding roof mechanism must be reported
- Trailers must be Fit For Purpose before use!
- Defective trailers WILL be turned away
