BUSINESS HELPDESK
HELP DESK
SAFETY FIRST
Deliveries, loading and unloading present some of the most dangerous transport activities in the Builders Merchant Industry. Nigel Lea, National Partnerships Manager at Citation, which provides the BMF’s Safety Plus service, explains how to control the risks.
MANY ACCIDENTS INVOLVE people being struck by vehicles, being struck by stock falling from a vehicle or people falling from vehicles during loading and unloading activities. According to the HSE, every year over 2,000 driver and workers are seriously injured in falls from vehicles – a shockingly high number. To protect your colleagues and customers, these are the key things to consider.
Segregation
Loading and unloading should be carried out away from pedestrians and in a designated area wherever possible. The area used should be firm, level ground, clear of overhead cables and other obstructions. Use signage to increase awareness and ensure staff direct drivers to the correct area. If you are using forklifts to load/unload the vehicle, ask the driver to wait in a safe area, e.g. a breakroom, or the vehicle’s cab. And don’t attempt to unload in adverse weather conditions, e.g. avoid unloading fence panels in high winds.
Check the Vehicle Before any work begins, ensure vehicles have their brakes applied and engine switched off. If you are using a lorry crane to load/unload, ensure the stabilisers or outriggers have been properly positioned.
When loading a vehicle make sure it is the correct rating for the load. All drivers should know their maximum load weights and ensure they aren’t exceeded. Before loading, check the floor of the vehicle for debris or broken boards.
Avoiding falls Falls from vehicles are very common, often caused by slipping while walking on loads, tripping on ropes or torn sheets or falling when climbing onto or off the vehicle.
Wherever possible, work at height should be avoided. Always check whether the work can be done from the ground level first. However, if access to the lorry bed is unavoidable, always use steps and handholds provided on the vehicle, or if these aren’t available, use a footed single section ladder with a minimum of three points of contact. Never step on mudguards or wheels to access the vehicle, and never jump down!
Watch out for trip hazards and ensure loads, straps, bearers, and packing materials are cleared before access. While on the lorry bed, always face the direction you are walking and pay attention to the stability and grip of the surface. Wear a hard had with a chin strap, and avoid standing on the product.
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Securing Loads and Shifted Loads
Drivers are ultimately responsible for ensuring loads are secured properly to the vehicle bed. A range of different lashings are available to suit different loads and configurations. Loads should be spread evenly and placed as close as possible to the bulk head. Loads can, however, shift in transit so assess the stability of the load before removing any restraints and determine safe systems of work appropriate to the load.
Planning & Communication
Schedule deliveries and collections to avoid busy times of customer or vehicle movements. Visiting drivers should be given relevant site-specific instructions e.g. where to park, load and unload and where to wait safely. Customer parking and retail entrances should also be clearly signposted. BMJ
Citation specialises in helping builder’s merchants stay on top of their health and safety legal requirements. For information about the BMF Safety Plus service or to discuss any health and safety matter, please get in touch with the Citation team on 0345 257 4015
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net August 2022
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