HSE Safety Alert – Lorry Loaders Crush Risk: January 2024

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a safety notice for workers that are involved in lorry loader operations with powered ’tilting’ stabilisers.

This alert stems from there being a crush risk from powered tilting (also known as ‘swing-up’ or ‘rotating’) stabilisers. There have been three fatal incidents in Great Britain since 2019 caused by this that the HSE are aware of. In each of these cases, the operator of a lorry loader has been crushed against the bodywork of the vehicle, caused by the retracting leg of a powered tilting stabiliser.

There is a risk of serious injury or death when a powered tilting stabiliser is being rotated to a vertical position. If a stabiliser is retracted towards the vehicle when not vertical, the operator or others positioned in the danger zone can be crushed.

Those involved in lorry loader operations should include the crushing hazard from tilting stabilisers within their risk assessments as well as including appropriate control measures in all lorry loader procedural documentation, such as lift plans.

Users of lorry loaders must ensure that their operators are competent, that they are familiar with the functions of the type of stabiliser fitted, and have been trained in correct use. If you use lorry loaders at your work and need further assistance, please contact THSP where we will speak to you, understand what the issue at hand is, and act accordingly.

Here are two solutions you can take to protect your workforce and business:

• Use THSP’s Risk Assessment Builder to create bespoke, task-based machine/equipment based risk assessments, with intuitive and comprehensive control measure selection. These save you time and reduce the likelihood of accidents caused by using equipment.
• Book a Site Visit from one of our consultants to help you identify where there may be issues, not only with lorry loading risks but all aspects of health and safety on your site.