Recurring concern

Failure to reliably secure loads on road vehicles

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First reported 8 Oct 2013•Latest report 12 May 2021

Definition

What this concern includes

Includes failures to assess, cover, restrain, secure or verify loads on road vehicles before and during loading, unloading and transport, including loose-material sheeting and restraint of palletised or comparable loads where inadequate securing can endanger drivers, workers or other road users.

Not included

Excludes vehicle design, maintenance, approval and driving failures where load securing is not the unsafe condition.
Excludes lifting, unloading or workplace-equipment hazards that do not concern securing the load on a road vehicle.
Excludes generic training, documentation or supervision deficiencies unless they directly impair road-vehicle load securing.
Excludes isolated load movement or spillage where no continuing deficiency in load-covering, restraint or securing controls is identified.

Reports: 2
Individual concerns: 4
Date range: 2013–2021
Stated actions: 9

Reports over time

Reports about this concern issued each year.

* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.

Most frequent recipients

Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.

Department for Transport1

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency1

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency1

Paul Wainwright Construction Services Limited1

Concerns and responses across reports

Only concerns grouped under this recurring concern are included. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

12 May2021
Nottinghamshire
Concerns raised3
1. Failure to load tipper lorries with loose materials below the level of the sides
2. Failure of sheeting systems to fully cover and secure loose materials on tipper lorries
3. Failure of mesh sheeting systems to fully cover and secure loose materials on tipper lorries
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response 9
1. Action
  Amend GOV.UK load-security guidance with specific advice on securing bulk loads.
  Stated by Driver and Vehicle Standards AgencyStated in progress
2. Action
  Arrange targeted roadside checks of bulk trailer and skip lorries on strategic and urban roads.
  Stated by Driver and Vehicle Standards AgencyStated planned
3. Action
  Produce communications highlighting the revised load-security guidance alongside the targeted roadside checks.
  Stated by Driver and Vehicle Standards AgencyStated planned
1. Action
  Continue prioritising load security during enforcement encounters and scrutinising operators’ load-security compliance systems.
  Stated by Driver and Vehicle Standards AgencyStated in progress
2. Action
  Implement reduced-volume loading procedures and provide formal loading and load-safety instructions and method statements to all drivers.
  Stated by Paul Wainwright Constructions Services LtdStated completed
3. Action
  Engage health and safety consultants to review loading procedures and risk assessments.
  Stated by Paul Wainwright Constructions Services LtdStatus unclear
4. Action
  Work with HSE to develop additional practical load-security material for Driver CPC training providers.
  Stated by Driver and Vehicle Standards AgencyStated in progress
5. Action
  Provide load-security training covering securing methods, vehicle types and securing equipment to vehicle examiners.
  Stated by Driver and Vehicle Standards AgencyStated completed
6. Action
  Fit every fleet vehicle with a sheeting system that fully covers and securely restrains carried loads.
  Stated by Paul Wainwright Constructions Services LtdStated completed
Respondent positions 2
1. Position
  The company states that mounding cannot be fully eliminated and its measures cannot generally alleviate the wider haulage-industry risk.
  Stated by Paul Wainwright Constructions Services LtdDisputes the concern
1. Position
  DVSA does not prepare or dictate driver CPC load-security content, although it monitors courses and may provide additional material.
  Stated by Driver and Vehicle Standards AgencyOutside remit
AI-generated summary

Steven James Oscroft · Prevention of Future Deaths report

This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

Report summary

Steven James Oscroft was killed instantly when a piece of concrete fell from an oncoming lorry and smashed through his windscreen while he was driving on 7 July 2020. The concerns included the practice of mounding loads above the sides of tipper lorries and using sheeting systems that could leave material uncovered and liable to fall or be blown from the vehicle.

Read the report on judiciary.uk
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Failure to load tipper lorries with loose materials below the level of the sides
Wider context from the report
“Paul Wainwright Construction Services Ltd Evidence was heard regarding the training and practices of loading tipper lorries at Paul Wainwright Construction Services Ltd. 1. Loads are ‘mounded’ such that in the middle of the load area, the height of the load extends above the level of the sides, whilst being below the level of the sides at the point at which the load contacts the side. Part of the load is therefore above the level of the sides, increasing the risk of items on the load falling or blowing off the vehicle. 2. Industry standard sheeting systems are in use which, when the load is ‘mounded’ in this way, causes the sheet to be drawn up. This results in part of the load being uncovered and liable to fall or be blown from the vehicle. 3. Such standard sheeting systems are not designed to be used on loads mounded above the level of the sides and cannot prevent ‘blow off’ from the areas of the load uncovered by the mesh. 4. Evidence was adduced of a number of loads on Wainwrights lorries which, because of the above practice, appeared not to be fully secure. ”
Source location
Steven James Oscroft · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 1 · concerns
Open source report
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Failure of sheeting systems to fully cover and secure loose materials on tipper lorries
Wider context from the report
“Paul Wainwright Construction Services Ltd Evidence was heard regarding the training and practices of loading tipper lorries at Paul Wainwright Construction Services Ltd. 1. Loads are ‘mounded’ such that in the middle of the load area, the height of the load extends above the level of the sides, whilst being below the level of the sides at the point at which the load contacts the side. Part of the load is therefore above the level of the sides, increasing the risk of items on the load falling or blowing off the vehicle. 2. Industry standard sheeting systems are in use which, when the load is ‘mounded’ in this way, causes the sheet to be drawn up. This results in part of the load being uncovered and liable to fall or be blown from the vehicle. 3. Such standard sheeting systems are not designed to be used on loads mounded above the level of the sides and cannot prevent ‘blow off’ from the areas of the load uncovered by the mesh. 4. Evidence was adduced of a number of loads on Wainwrights lorries which, because of the above practice, appeared not to be fully secure. ”
Source location
Steven James Oscroft · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 2 · concerns
Open source report
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Failure of mesh sheeting systems to fully cover and secure loose materials on tipper lorries
Wider context from the report
“The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Evidence was heard regarding the manner in which loose materials are loaded and secured onto tipper lorries. 1. The above-mentioned practice of ‘mounding’ loads above the level of the sides is standard practice within the industry. 2. Mesh sheeting systems are commonly deployed in circumstances when the mesh does not cover all of the material being carried. 3. Mesh sheeting systems are typically not secured at the sides and are installed in such a way as to leave a small gap at the sides and a larger gap at the back. ”
Source location
Steven James Oscroft · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 2 · concerns
Open source report
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Amend GOV.UK load-security guidance with specific advice on securing bulk loads.

Verbatim wording from the response
“However, we recognise that the detailed nature of both guidance documents does not necessarily equate to helpful advice that can be easily interpreted and understood. Therefore, in conjunction with the Health & Safety Laboratory, we have drafted load security guidance available on GOV.UK which highlights the main elements of DfT and EU guidance in a more easily understood format. This guidance is constantly under review, and, we have already started further work with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on drafting more specific GOV.UK content on properly loading and securing bulk loose loads.”

Source location
2021-0162-Response-from-DVSA_Published
Page 2 · response
Published 24 May 2021
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Arrange targeted roadside checks of bulk trailer and skip lorries on strategic and urban roads.

Verbatim wording from the response
“Looking ahead, we will start to organise specific roadside checks focussing on bulk tipper and skip operations on the strategic roads network and in more urban areas where these vehicles can be more prevalent. That focus will tackle and act as deterrence towards the type of incident we have seen here.”

Source location
2021-0162-Response-from-DVSA_Published
Page 2 · response
Published 24 May 2021
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Produce communications highlighting the revised load-security guidance alongside the targeted roadside checks.

Verbatim wording from the response
“• Work with HSE on amending the current load security guidance on GOV.UK to include very specific narrative dealing with bulk loads. This work has already started, and we aim to have the updated guidance prepared by September 2021.”

Source location
2021-0162-Response-from-DVSA_Published
Page 4 · response
Published 24 May 2021
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Continue prioritising load security during enforcement encounters and scrutinising operators’ load-security compliance systems.

Verbatim wording from the response
“Enforcement Activity We are constantly engaged in a programme of enforcement checks throughout Great Britain. Many of these checks are conducted on the strategic road network on our major check sites, but some are also carried out on minor roads and urban areas. They are designed to ensure that operators and drivers are adhering to their responsibilities towards aspects such as roadworthiness compliance, drivers’ hours, licensing, etc. A routine part of those checks is also devoted to ensuring loads are carried safely, so an emphasis on load securing has been established as one of the constituent parts of a routine vehicle check.”

Source location
2021-0162-Response-from-DVSA_Published
Page 2 · response
Published 24 May 2021
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Implement reduced-volume loading procedures and provide formal loading and load-safety instructions and method statements to all drivers.

Verbatim wording from the response
“Loading Procedures Following the conclusion of the Inquest on 4 May 2021, on 5 May 2021 the Company instructed each of its drivers in a new interim Loading Procedure. This procedure reflected the concerns highlighted during the Inquest in respect of common and Industry accepted loading and sheeting practice. This procedure, imposed while the Company fleet maintained the original sheeting and irrespective of the nature of the material carried, directed drivers to substantially reduce the volume of loads to ensure any gap between the sheeting and tipper body would be minimised.”

Source location
2021-0162-Response-from-Paul-Wainwright-Construction-Services_Published
Page 3 · response
Published 24 May 2021
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Engage health and safety consultants to review loading procedures and risk assessments.

Verbatim wording from the response
“The Company has engaged Health and Safety Consultant Services to review its procedures and risk assessments. In terms of what was identified as general Industry wide concerns over the manner of loading and equipment adopted to restrain loads, all drivers employed by the Company have been provided with formalised instructions on Loading Procedures and method statements in respect of Loading and Load Safety.”

Source location
2021-0162-Response-from-Paul-Wainwright-Construction-Services_Published
Page 3 · response
Published 24 May 2021
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Work with HSE to develop additional practical load-security material for Driver CPC training providers.

Verbatim wording from the response
“Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) There are driver CPC modules which cover load security, but currently the content of these is not prepared or dictated by DVSA. We do however monitor the courses to ensure they are fit for purpose, and we are currently working with HSE to look how we can provide additional material on load security, to CPC training companies. The intention is to make”

Source location
2021-0162-Response-from-DVSA_Published
Page 3 · response
Published 24 May 2021
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Provide load-security training covering securing methods, vehicle types and securing equipment to vehicle examiners.

Verbatim wording from the response
“DVSA Examiner Training/Awareness All our vehicle examiners undertake specific training on load security as part of their initial training. The current course was created in partnership with the HSE and designed to cover all aspects of load security, including securing methods, vehicle types and types of securing equipment. Examiners are then supported with their routine daily enforcement activities via the Enforcement Policy Team and Area subject matter experts who had additional training delivered by HSE.”

Source location
2021-0162-Response-from-DVSA_Published
Page 3 · response
Published 24 May 2021
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Fit every fleet vehicle with a sheeting system that fully covers and securely restrains carried loads.

Verbatim wording from the response
“Sheeting Systems In conjunction with specific instruction to drivers regarding loading procedures the Company has upgraded its sheeting and restraint systems.”

Source location
2021-0162-Response-from-Paul-Wainwright-Construction-Services_Published
Page 4 · response
Published 24 May 2021
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
The company states that mounding cannot be fully eliminated and its measures cannot generally alleviate the wider haulage-industry risk.

Verbatim wording from the response
“From experience and with an intimate understanding of the haulage industry, the Company recognises the nature of loads carried by Tipper trucks and how the vehicles have to be loaded will never be able to fully negate mounding of loads. The review and upgrades the Company has made from recognised Industry procedures and equipment will unfortunately not alleviate in any general or meaningful way the specific risk which applies across the haulage industry. The formalised loading procedures and wrap over edge sheeting introduced by the Company will however ensure that each load carried on the Companies vehicles is completely and securely covered to prevent any risk of items on the load falling or blowing off the vehicle.”

Source location
2021-0162-Response-from-Paul-Wainwright-Construction-Services_Published
Page 5 · response
Published 24 May 2021
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
DVSA does not prepare or dictate driver CPC load-security content, although it monitors courses and may provide additional material.

Verbatim wording from the response
“Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) There are driver CPC modules which cover load security, but currently the content of these is not prepared or dictated by DVSA. We do however monitor the courses to ensure they are fit for purpose, and we are currently working with HSE to look how we can provide additional material on load security, to CPC training companies. The intention is to make”

Source location
2021-0162-Response-from-DVSA_Published
Page 3 · response
Published 24 May 2021
Open published response
8 Oct2013
East London
Concerns raised1
1. Lack of restraint for palletised loads during loading, unloading and road transport
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.

No linked response statements
No respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
AI-generated summary

Kuldeep Singh Dhillon · Prevention of Future Deaths report

This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

Report summary

Kuldeep Singh Dhillon was driving a lorry on the M25 on 25 May 2012 when it collided with a stationary vehicle during a rolling road block. He was trapped when the vehicle exploded and died at the scene from extensive full-thickness burns. The report raised concerns that palletised loads were commonly carried without restraint, putting drivers at risk, and that enforcement and auditing of relevant guidance and codes of practice were insufficient.

Read the report on judiciary.uk
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Lack of restraint for palletised loads during loading, unloading and road transport
Wider context from the report
“1. Evidence was given at the inquest that the load which the deceased was carrying was sitting on the vehicle’s load bed without any restraint at all. 2. This, according to the evidence given, was ‘common practice nationwide with palletised loads’. You note that this evidence was given by a senior engineer from the Engineering Safety Unit of the Health and Safety Laboratory. 3. This type of lack of restraint not only puts a driver at risk whilst driving but also at risk during loading and unloading. 4. Evidence was given at the inquest by the senior engineer that similar evidence has been given be her at inquests nationwide over a number of years without any apparent change in industry practice. ”
Source location
Kuldeep Singh Dhillon · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 2 · concerns
Open source report

Data last updated 7 September 2026

What this concern includes

Not included

Reports over time

Concerns raised3

Failure to load tipper lorries with loose materials below the level of the sides

Failure of sheeting systems to fully cover and secure loose materials on tipper lorries

Failure of mesh sheeting systems to fully cover and secure loose materials on tipper lorries

Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.9

Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2

Concerns raised1

Lack of restraint for palletised loads during loading, unloading and road transport

Actions described in response 9

Respondent positions 2