Driver Leaves Parking Brake Off
ACTIVITY:
TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS / DELIVERY
SUB ACTIVITY:
PRODUCT DELIVERY
TITLE
Driver Leaves Parking Brake Off
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
WHAT HAPPENED
A serious accident or fatality could have occurred when a tipper driver forgot to apply his parking brake when leaving his vehicle to go into the weighbridge cabin to inquire about his next delivery.
During the incident no one was injured, however the tipper lorry rolled back down a slight gradient and hit a stationary vehicle parked some 15 metres behind. This caused some significant damage.
The driver of the stationary vehicle sounded his horn to alert the tipper driver, but it was too late, and too dangerous for the tipper driver to return to the moving vehicle and apply the parking brake.
ACCIDENT / INCIDENT IMAGES
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS TAKEN
On checking the tipper it was found that both the parking brake and warning indicator were working as intended, however the warning indicator was the beeper type and not very loud.
This incident has highlighted the need to stay focused, not only when driving but at all times when operating your vehicle. The panel of enquiry recommended changing all beeper type indicators in the fleet at this site to the louder voice indicator type (found on newer vehicles); and to investigate the possibility of installing a sounder on the outside of the vehicle as a back up for noisy environments at certain plants and sites.
Drivers should check that their parking brake indicator is working as intended, can be heard over background noise and is fit for purpose. In addition drivers should be aware of the serious consequences of not applying the parking brake.
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS IMAGES
ACTIVITY:
TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS / DELIVERY
SUB ACTIVITY:
PRODUCT DELIVERY
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