Issue Date:  -  Tuesday, 26 October 2004

Deaths a reminder on loading of trucks

The deaths of two truck drivers in similar circumstances this year have prompted a warning from WorkSafe on the safe loading of tilt-tray trucks.

Both men were killed when chain slings forming part of the winching equipment failed while they were loading containers onto tilt-tray trucks.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today the similarities between the two deaths were alarming, and truck drivers and employers should view them as a warning to ensure safe systems of work were in place.

“The more recent death occurred only this month, when a truck driver loading a sea container onto a tilt-tray truck was struck by the hook attached to the winch rope that was part of equipment being used to winch the container onto the truck,” Ms Lyhne said.

“The chain sling used to attach the container to the winch rope being used to pull the load failed, as it did when another truck driver lost his life in March this year.

“I’m sure these deaths are not the only incidents of this type, and it’s likely there are many more similar incidents in workplaces that we don’t know about because the workers involved are fortunately not injured.

“Truck drivers and employers should use these tragic incidents as a wake-up call to increase their vigilance when trucks are being loaded.

“Employers also need to ensure that adequate training and appropriate equipment are provided to all employees.”

In both fatal incidents this year, the containers being loaded became snagged on the backs of the tilt trays, putting extra strain on the gear being used to the point where it snapped.

Winches, ropes, hooks and chains must be properly selected to be strong enough to withstand the load in the configuration in which they are being used.

All these items should be visually checked regularly for signs of stretching or deterioration, and replaced if necessary.

“It is not safe work practice to rely on simply watching the loading process and waiting for something to go wrong,” Ms Lyhne said.

“This year’s two tragic deaths should serve as a warning to make sure all equipment is in good working order, and that adequate training has been given in safe systems of work.”

Further information on the loading of vehicles is available by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777, or on the website at www.safetyline.wa.gov.au.