Uncontrolled Movement of HGVs [UK]

The Health and Safety Executive has published the report RR1069 “Establishing direct and contributory factors to the uncontrolled movement of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) during coupling and uncoupling” on its website.

Features of the report

The report covers the safety factors implicated when drivers uncouple the trailer from the tractor unit and how injuries can occur.

The report states that both trailer and tractor unit should have their brakes applied during uncoupling so that the units do not move in an uncontrolled manner. Any unintended movement is described as a runaway vehicle.

The study used in the report also considered factors which contribute to runaway vehicles.

Reason for uncontrolled movement

The main reason for uncontrolled movement of the vehicles tractor or trailer unit was due to the parking brake not being applied.

The reasons behind the parking brake not being applied were due to a combination from the individual’s behaviour, job and organisational factors.

Possible solutions

The report suggests that providing easily accessible controls, physical solutions (such as cab alarms), supervision and raising risk awareness were measures which could prevent uncontrolled movement of the HGV units.

For further details please refer to the full report RR1069.

Red-on-line EHS Legalist

Sources:

The report RR1069 Establishing direct and contributory factors to the uncontrolled movement of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) during coupling and uncoupling, published on the Health and Safety Executive webpage on 5th November 2015.

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