WHAT HAPPENED . . . Driver arrived to unload a delivery of steel coil on pallet. The driver opened the roof, the coil on pallets were offloaded. The driver started to close his roof, by using a ratchet strap hooked on to the locking pin release wire. The driver moved at speed to close the roof. The locking pin release wire broke, causing the driver to fall from the trailer to the ground. The driver suffered a broken collar bone and a head injury.
CONCLUSIONS:
- Driver did not have and therefore was not using a roof pole
- Driver incorrectly used a strap and the locking pin release wire to close the roof
- Trailer roof was “stiff” to move
- Driver was wearing correct PPE
INITIAL RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Hauliers must confirm that all drivers operating sliding roof equipment have roof poles
- Hauliers must brief drivers on the importance of using the correct method (using the bar, eye or tag on the sliding roof) to open/close sliding roofs.
- Collecting and delivery sites to enforce use of roof poles when operating sliding roofs
- Hauliers to review the service plans and maintenance frequency of sliding roofs
- Hauliers to highlight to drivers the importance of reporting defects on sliding roofs.
