Falls from vehicles

Falls in the ‘freight by road’ industry caused 299 major injuries in 2006/07 work year, including 1 fatality. Over two thirds of these falls were from vehicles. Common accidents are falls from trailers, tail-lifts and truck cabs.

Measures to reduce the risk of falls include:

• Avoiding the need for climbing onto trailers where possible
• Providing steps and handholds where access is still required
• Looking for safety features when buying a new vehicle
• Trying out different types of footwear to see which provides most slip-resistance for the environment employees will be working in
• Workers should never have their back to the edge of the trailer if they are within 1 metre of it. Never walk backwards on a trailer
• Don’t jump from a truck cab or trailer
• Regularly check the condition of hand-holds to detect deterioration in load-bearing capacity

HSE started a specific campaign to reduce injuries caused by falls from vehicles in October 2007. 

• Full guidance on the falls from vehicles campaign

Further relevant guidance includes safe methods of sheeting and unsheeting vehicles and guidance on preventing falls whilst unloading vehicles.