Driver Injured by Falling Roof Support Post
What happened?
The IP (driver) was releasing a container support column on a swap body trailer part of the normal loading process. The column became detached from it's runners and fell suddenly to the floor hitting the IP on the fingers of his right hand. The IP was taken to the local A&E Department, X-ray's revealed no broken bones but he sustained severe bruising.
The IP returned to work the next day.
Findings:
- The roof support pin was not in place. The O/S curtain roller had been repaired but no sign off documentation detailing checks made available.
- A spot check carried out on another incoming swap body of the same haulier revealed a roof support pin was missing.
Recommendations:
- Hauliers to regularly maintain and check condition of the swap body container support columns, ensuring the pin is in place .
- Include the support column and pin checks on daily equipment checks.
- Ensure robust defect reporting procedures are in place, that the procedure has been communicated to all drivers and they understand how and when to report a defect.
- Keep a record of all repairs and ensure they are checked and signed off before the equipment is returned to use and the documentation can be made available in the event of an incident.
