A truckmixer driver returned to a concrete plant to park up at the end of the day.  Space on site is limited, requiring trucks to double park.  The driver got out of his cab to ask a second driver if he wanted to park at the front, so he could be loaded first the following morning.  As the driver walked away from his vehicle, it started to roll away.  The driver and a colleague tried to get into the moving truck, putting themselves in severe danger; the truck ran away and struck another vehicle in the loading bay.

CEMEX has shared a PowerPoint that can be used as a toolbox talk and includes a video of the incident.  VIEW POWERPOINT

KEY FINDINGS

Process - The driver failed to switch off the engine or chock the truck before leaving it unattended.

Safe Systems of Work - The driver had been inducted and included in ongoing training programmes, with the site manager rules being explained.  He was aware of the need to chock vehicles.

Process - The driver commented he did not hear an alarm when he opened the door to warn that the park brake was not properly engaged.

Housekeeping - The yard area was clear and well maintained.

The image below taken from the video shows the moment when the driver attempts to enter the moving vehicle. The drivers could have fallen beneath the moving vehicle. Never attempt to get on or off a moving vehicle.

HOW COULD THIS HAVE BEEN AVOIDED

• By following safe systems of work, ensuring the park brake was applied before leaving the vehicle, stopping the engine and removing the keys.
• Applying wheel chocks if a vehicle is being left unattended.
• Avoiding any temptation to rush or cut corners.
• Ensuring vehicle checks include all safety critical devices.

KEY REVIEW POINTS

• Are all drivers aware of the Vehicle Isolation Procedures and is compliance with the procedures monitored?
• Are vehicle daily checks and maintenance inspection regimes robust?
• Are defects involving safety critical devices reported and rectified?