In a recent safety notice (EPD04-2023), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlights a critical issue regarding lorry loaders with powered tilting stabilisers. The notice underscores the potential risk of serious injury or death when these stabilisers are being retracted, emphasising the need for urgent attention and safety measures within the industry.

Understanding the Problem

The Issue: On certain lorry loaders with powered tilting stabilisers, there is a significant risk of crushing individuals against the vehicle’s bodywork during stabiliser retraction. This can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities.

Outline of the Problem:

• Tilting stabilisers are rotated to a vertically up position for stowage.
• Powered stabiliser tilt is controlled either by levers at the crane base or by remote control.
• HSE reports three fatal incidents in Great Britain since 2019 due to operators being crushed against the vehicle’s bodywork.

Action Required

For Lorry Loader Operators, Ownersand Service Providers:

• Share the safety notice with all personnel involved in lorry loader operations.
• Owners should engage with manufacturers to seek safety improvements on existing machines.

Seeking Safety Improvements

Owners’ Responsibilities:

• Engage with manufacturers to enhance safety features and reduce the crushing risk on existing machines.
• Consult with manufacturers for improvements, such as software modifications, interlocks, or the use of remote controls only.

Record Keeping:

• Keep detailed records of discussions with manufacturers.

Risk Assessment and Control

Key Measures:

• Include the crushing hazard from tilting stabilisers in risk assessments.
• Ensure appropriate control measures in all lorry loader procedural documentation, such as lift plans.

Decals:

• Owners should ensure the presence of residual risk warning decals, consulting manufacturers for new or replacement decals.

Safe Operation Guidelines

Operators Must:

• Be competent, familiar with stabiliser functionsand trained in correct use.
• Pin or lock tilting stabiliser legs in the vertical position before deploying or retracting the horizontal stabiliser beam.
• Fully observe all stabiliser movements during deployment and stowage.

Training and Legal Compliance

Training Requirements:

• Update training materials to incorporate information on powered tilting stabiliser hazards.
• Familiarisation training should include coverage of this safety notice.

Relevant legal documents

• Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
• Safe use of work equipment, Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. Approved Code of Practice and Guidance ref: L22
• Safe Use of Lifting Equipment, Lifting Operations and lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, Approved Code of Practice and Guidance ref: L113
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Guidance

• The Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers (ALLMI) Swing-up stabilisers guidance and E-Learning (on ALLMI.com)
• Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) and Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers (ALLMI) Best practice guide for the safe use of lorry loaders (on ALLMI.com)

By adhering to these guidelines and engaging with manufacturers for safety enhancements, the lorry loader industry can work together to mitigate the risks associated with powered tilting stabilisers. Safety remains a top priority for all stakeholders involved in these operations.

Find out more here:https://www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/lorry-loaders.htm?utm_source=hse.gov.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=lorry-loaders-sa&utm_content=news-page