It’s a topic that requires serious consideration with proper and effective communication, so the importance of safe use and everyone’s responsibility is recognised by all workers.
Common scenarios that result in injuries, fatalities and property damage include:
- unsafe reversing;
- speeding;
- overloading;
- using the truck to do something it wasn’t designed for (e.g. carrying passengers or lifting people);
- a lack of driver training;
- failure to appropriately assess the risks;
- poor communication and co-operation;
- ineffective (or a lack of) arrangements for segregation of pedestrians and vehicles;
- hazardous surface conditions (on roads, yards, car parks and designated pedestrian routes);
- insufficient information, instruction and training; and
- inadequate vehicle selection, inspection, maintenance and repairs.
Cases of ill health can arise from using diesel trucks in enclosed and confined working areas (allowing fumes to build up and causing breathing problems), as well as poor seating and controls and damaged roadways, which may cause vibration leading to back problems and upper-limb disorders.