Load fell from trailer after it was inadequately secured

Two articulated lorries with 20′ trailers were organised to move equipment, including lifeboat davits, a power-pack, winches and sheave blocks, from one location to another. The first trailer was loaded inside a shed, then driven outside to complete lashings and allow simultaneous loading of the second trailer. During the movement of the first trailer, the free end of a single lashing became entangled in the tractor unit wheels, breaking the strap and allowing part of the load to topple from the trailer onto the roadway.

What went wrong? What were the causes?

The loads were inadequately secured on the trailer, resulting in a davit winch and two sheave blocks falling on to the road. This incident had potential for personal injury and damage to other road users.

The loose end of the strap securing the winch and blocks was not stowed correctly. The driver took the vehicle out of the shed to allow the second collection trailer to access the shed, and continued to drive out of the front yard area, then proceeded to take a wide arc left over the middle of the port’s road. A loud bang was heard as a winch and two snatch blocks fell from the vehicle. A worker witnessed a loose strap flapping on the trailer’s nearside, before hearing the loud bang. However, the vehicle was too far away for him to intervene.

The incident area was made safe by removing the fallen equipment from the road to the shed. Other than surface damage, the equipment appeared to be unharmed. Additional ratchet straps were placed on the winch for extra security.

What lessons were learned?

• The winch was a heavy piece of equipment with a high and offset centre of gravity, rendering it an unstable load;
• A conventional pallet was unsuitable for the type, shape and size of the equipment. Consideration should have been given to shipping the items in half height containers;
• There was a failure to effectively secure the load before movement of the truck, and there was poor practice in not securing the free end of a securing strap;
• A dedicated loader or dispatcher should discuss loading arrangements with the driver;
• The driver should remain in a safe area during the loading operation;
• Vehicles with an open flatbed should have their loads secured before entering and exiting the worksite.

Members may wish to refer to the following incidents:

• Loading and securing of cargo
• Unsecured cargo inside containers