A contract tipper vehicle was overloaded with asphalt and the driver had to tip off a small amount in the designated area.  After doing so, the rear door was prevented from closing by product loaded towards the back of the vehicle body.  The driver used a tool / bar, which should only be used to open the tailgate if it fails to open automatically, to try and force the tailgate shut; the bar slipped and his hands momentarily came into contact with the hot asphalt below.  First aid was administered on site and the driver went to hospital later in the day.  He was able to carry out restricted duties the next day and returned to full driving a few days later.

KEY FINDINGS

• The overloading of the vehicle wasn’t an isolated incident.
• The driver self loaded the material too close to the tailgate.
• The tip-off area is located in a busy part of the site, with limited space for the driver to move the vehicle forward after discharging the materials on to the floor.
• This particular vehicle had an unusual / bespoke tailgate and the driver used a tool / bar that wasn’t suitable.
• The driver was not wearing gloves during this activity.
• The quick actions of the site staff to administer first aid reduced the severity of the driver’s injuries.

Image above shows where driver inserted tool to try and close tailgate

HOW COULD THIS HAVE BEEN AVOIDED?

• Vehicles are not overloaded and product isn’t sitting against the tailgate.
• Ensure people are trained and competent to operate equipment.
• Wear gloves for all manual activities.
• Ensure safe systems of work are in place to include activities such as this

KEY REVIEW POINTS

• How often are vehicles overloaded – can this be eliminated or at least minimised?
• Do drivers understand loading processes, avoiding loading too much product towards the rear of vehicles?
• Do drivers and operators wear the correct gloves for manual activities?
• Are onsite tip-off areas in a suitable position, away from busy traffic / pedestrian routes and other workplace hazards, and well lit?
• Is there a safe system of work for drivers carrying out this type of task

PLEASE CLICK ON ADDITIONAL PDF TO WATCH POWERPOINT WHICH INCLUDES A VIDEO OF THE INCIDENT