Securing of loads

An incident has been reported to IMCA which, although relating to a road incident, provides an important reminder in relation to the securing of loads.

During transportation of five empty skips between a shore base and terminal, the top-most skip was blown from the top of the stack and landed on the road. No injuries occurred and no vehicles were damaged, but evasive action appears to have been taken by third party vehicles on the road to avoid the skip. There was the potential for multiple permanent injuries or fatalities and for damage to property.

The skip was lifted back onto the truck, secured to the other skips and to the truck with a strop and the journey was recommenced.

On arrival at the terminal the incident was reported to the site management and the local police. An investigation was then initiated, which identified the following likely causes:

• The skips were stacked five high, one on top of the other, significantly above the height of the truck cabin;
• There was high wind loading – the wind increased during the journey to approximately gale force, with gusting;
• The skips had been inadequately secured to the truck, with no strops used.

It was noted by a member that the skips were reloaded on one lorry and the journey was resumed in much the same manner, albeit with an extra strop attached.