Collapsing steps on truckmixers result in second injury
LOCATION:
READYMIX OR MORTAR PLANT
ACTIVITY:
TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS / DELIVERY
SUB ACTIVITY:
MOBILE PLANT
TITLE
Collapsing steps on truckmixers result in second injury
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
WHAT HAPPENED
Safety Alert SA17/2005 (July ’05) detailed an incident where an employee jarred his back when the bottom access step on a MAN minimix truck broke away as he was climbing into the cab. In a second recent incident where an employee was climbing out of his cab, failure of an identical bottom access step arrangement on a similar MAN vehicle resulted in the driver falling to the ground and breaking his ankle.
Both incidents, on vehicles that were less than 2 years old, resulted from the fracture of a restraining clamp that allowed the whole step assembly to fall away
ACCIDENT / INCIDENT IMAGES
Click image to enlarge
Failed component that caused the incident
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS TAKEN
Following the initial accident contact was made with MAN and trials of an alternative fixing arrangement were being undertaken at the time of the second incident. Whilst work is ongoing with MAN to accelerate the trials and determine a suitable engineering solution in the short term, the following should be in place in the interim to avoid a recurrence:
- All steps on vehicles should be closely inspected for evidence of potential failure.
- Rigorous inspection and maintenance schemes should be operated to identify potential problems before they cause damage or injury.
- Any accident damage should be reported promptly. Defect Reporting and Near Miss/Hazard Alert systems should be used to highlight any damage/faults.
- Do not use damaged equipment where it presents a risk to health and safety, always ensure items are taken out of service and undergo proper repair.
- When climbing in or out of vehicles always remember to maintain 3 points of contact. Always exit lorry cabs backwards facing the cab, and do not be tempted to jump to the ground.
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS IMAGES
LOCATION:
READYMIX OR MORTAR PLANT
ACTIVITY:
TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS / DELIVERY
SUB ACTIVITY:
MOBILE PLANT
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