RR862 - Safe transport of roll cages
Loading vehicles and transporting goods on the road may be the most dangerous work activity carried out by many companies operating in the UK. Previous research carried out for HSE by HSL highlighted the risks to operators and other parties when goods are transported on the roads and, following the publication of the research, industry stakeholders expressed concern regarding the current methods of loading and securing roll cages in single and double-deck trailers.
The profile of UK freight transport has changed significantly over the last fifty years, not only in terms of the quantity of goods moved, which has increased significantly, but also the mode of transport. The majority of the raw materials and goods used or sold by UK businesses are now transported by road rather than rail, and the road haulage industry transports a highly diverse range of goods, including food and agricultural products, bulk liquids, car components, container transport, express parcels, furniture removal, heavy haulage, and livestock. Goods such as food, drink, tobacco products, toiletries and household goods, which are often transported in roll cages, comprise over half of all goods transported on the road.
This report seeks to give an overview of current practice, legislation and guidance, identify the problems associated with transporting roll cages, and offer practical information on good practice for loading and securing roll cages for safe loading, transport and unloading.
This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.
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