Driving – “safe stop”

MPA is aware of a fatal accident involving a contract haulier which may involve wider learnings for the industry.

The driver of a tipper vehicle on a contract surfacing job was trapped and crushed between his own vehicle and another vehicle. The driver had left the cab and preliminary investigations indicate that the vehicle was in drive and moved under power.

It is recognised from safety observations that some drivers are not following simple procedures to ensure that their vehicles have been safely stopped before exiting their vehicles.

• Follow the HSE's simple 4 stage  “Safe Stop” guidance. Although designed for the agricultural sector it applies equally to the mineral products sectors.
  
  
  
  
  • Engage handbrake
  
  
  • Controls in neutral
  
  
  • Switch off engine
  
  
  • Remove Key
  
  
  
  


• Review additional information at https://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/topics/machinery/safe-use-1.htm#safe-stop


• Engage with drivers to reinforce this simple message


• It is strongly suggested that drivers should not leave their cabs unless they have carried out the safe stop procedure.