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Load lost from lorry on public road – inadequate securing of cargo

What happened

During the transportation of equipment, a load became free of its single retention strap and fell off a lorry onto a public road. The load fell off while passing a roundabout at low speed. The loads which fell off were stacked on top of each other and included large hoses on a wooden pallet, each load weighing 100kg. The hose was wrapped in plastic for long-term preservation and had become wet and slippery following rain.

There were no people and no other vehicles in the vicinity at the time.

Image:  kentonline.co.uk (NOT the incident described here)

What went wrong

Our member noted the following:

  • The securing of the cargo (large hoses) for transportation, was inappropriate and insufficient;
  • The available internal information and instructions were not in a format that could be clearly understood, nor was that information suitably communicated;
  • “Task seen as routine” – there was some complacency as this was perceived as a simple straightforward task.

Actions taken

  • An incident review session was held with the yard team, to better examine, understand and consider some of the human factors that can influence and introduce complacency in routine tasks / activities;
  • The internal information and instructions were improved, following industry good practice for frequently transported goods:
    • How to transport them;
    • What transportation/securing  materials to use (e.g. stillages for hoses instead of pallets);
    • How to secure them properly. (e.g. minimum number of straps);
    • Who is responsible for doing what, and who is responsible for checking and verification.

Members may wish to refer to:

Safety Event

Published: 31 July 2024
Download: IMCA SF 15/24

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