Incident report details trailer hydraulic safety shortcomings
Workplace watchdog SafeWork NSW warns operators to never rely on trailer hydraulics or other lowering devices to prevent a ramp from falling after the recent death of a truck driver.
The 55-year-old was fatally injured after being crushed by a hydraulic-powered ramp on a trailer connected to the prime mover he was driving, an incident report explains.
The incident occurred as the truck driver was attempting to unload two vehicles from the trailer in an industrial area in Ingleburn.
After removing the safety chains from the ramps, one of the ramps has fallen, fatally crushing the driver.
SafeWork notes businesses must implement ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with hydraulic systems – and always assume a loading ramp can fall on a person at any time unless properly secured by a restraint device.
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The incident report outlines the following steps for the safe operation and maintenance of loading ramps on trailers:
• persons undertaking the lowering and raising of loading ramps have received adequate information and training and are supervised to the extent necessary for safe operation.
• appropriate pre-start checks of trailers are conducted, including a visual inspection of the hydraulic system and where practicable, test the operation of the hydraulic system.
• effective control measures are put in place to prevent workers and/or members of the public being in the ‘swing arc’ area when ramps are being lowered or raised, or when the ramps are in the raised position but not secured.
• procedures to deal with hydraulic system malfunctions, loss of hydraulic oil, hydraulic oil leaks, damage to hydraulics or structural failures are in place and followed.
• ramps are used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• ramps and their ancillary equipment are regularly inspected and maintained by a competent person.
• clearly visible signs at the rear of the vehicle warning people to remain clear of ramps at all times help to highlight the risk.
• workers should never stand or move past where they could be struck by a falling ramp.