Loading-bay: Unsafe

Find out how this scenario can be made safer

Site description

A machine part manufacturer operating from an old office complex took over a relatively new warehouse with loading bays next door. Trucks reversed from the main road down to bays. Workers often walked across this loading bay area from the warehouse to the main offices opposite.

The accident

7.45 on a rainy February morning a warehouse worker walked across the loading bay to visit the personnel office. He waved to the driver of the truck reversing into the loading bay. Thinking the driver had seen him he proceeded. The truck continued to reverse, knocking him down.

The consequences

The warehouseman was crushed by the truck and died later in hospital. The company was found to be in breach of health and safety guidelines and was fined £124,000.