Rollover risk associated with the use of road vehicles in off-road applications in quarries

Health and Safety Executive - Safety alert

Introduction:

The use of any vehicle at a quarry will generally involve a risk of the vehicle overturning. Quarry edge protection should be designed to overturn a vehicle in order to arrest its progress if all other systems have failed (ie the edge protection has failed to stop the vehicle dead or simply redirect it back onto the roadway).

Background:

An employee of a contractor was killed when the 4x4 road vehicle he was driving overturned on a haul road at a quarry. Although the operator was thrown clear during the incident, the roof of the vehicle collapsed.

Action required:

Employers should review their arrangements to ensure that:

• The risk of vehicle rollover has been adequately assessed.
• Where a risk exists, any vehicle exposed to that risk has adequate protection for the operator in the event of an overturn.
• If necessary, vehicles should be fitted with additional rollover protection such as rollover cages.
• Seat belts should be fitted and worn.

Employees should:

• Co-operate with their employer in following safe working practices.

Relevant legal documents:

• Health and Safety at Work etc Act (1974)
• Quarries Regulations 1999 (as amended)
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999)
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (1998)

References:

• HSE Website - Workplace Transport
• HSE Website - Risk Management
• Controlling the risks in the workplace
• Workplace transport safety - leaflet for employers

Further information:

Contact HSE

General note:

Please pass this information to a colleague who may have this product/equipment or operate this type of system/process.