First reported 10 Jul 2015•Latest report 26 Nov 2024
Definition
What this concern includes
Includes dedicated failures of tractor-and-trailer coupling safety, including coupling or uncoupling procedures, engagement verification, foreign-object control, operator checks and safety features intended to prevent or respond to decoupling.
Not included
Excludes generic training, staffing, inspection or documentation deficiencies not explicitly tied to tractor-and-trailer coupling safety.
Excludes unrelated vehicle, equipment or bed-wheel locking failures.
Excludes general testing or operational failures that do not concern tractor-and-trailer coupling or decoupling.
Reports
4
Distinct published reports
Individual concerns
7
A report can raise multiple concerns
Date range
2015–2024
First to latest report issue date
Stated actions
7
Described in published responses
Reports over time
Reports over time
Reports about this concern issued each year.
* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.
Most frequent recipients
Most frequent recipients
Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency2
Health and Safety Executive2
3D Trans Limited1
Agricultural Engineers Association1
British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association1
Department for Transport1
Ministry of Defence1
National Farmers' Union (NFU)1
Ministerial department2
Road and vehicle agency2
Workplace safety regulator2
Private limited company1
Trade association1
Type not available1
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.
Derby and Derbyshire
Concerns raised1
Failure to require safety features preventing decoupling of tractors and trailers used on public roads
This report raised 2 other concerns. 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.
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.3
Action
Educate members through magazines and events about daily safety checks, suitable equipment, braking systems, breakaway systems, hitch types and maintenance.
Stated by National Farmers' Union (NFU)Stated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 28 November 2024.
Action
Instruct officials to examine further measures for ensuring the roadworthiness of tractors, trailers and coupling devices.
Stated by Department for TransportStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 28 November 2024.
Action
Continue monitoring the effectiveness of vehicle safety regulations to identify potential amendments.
Stated by Department for TransportStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 28 November 2024.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.4
Position
The Secretary of State for Transport is responsible for deciding whether to amend legislation on agricultural tractor and trailer safety requirements.
Stated by Agricultural Engineers Association and British Agricultural and Garden Machinery AssociationRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
Use of agricultural vehicles on public roads falls outside HSE’s workplace health and safety enforcement remit.
Stated by Health and Safety ExecutiveOutside remitThe respondent said that this matter was outside its role or authority.
Position
Public-road vehicle testing, safety features and coupling requirements are matters for DVSA or other appropriate organisations.
Stated by Health and Safety ExecutiveRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
Dutyholders must assess agricultural machinery risks and implement reasonably practicable measures to control them.
Stated by Health and Safety ExecutiveRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Cheshire
Concerns raised1
Lack of regular and periodic training for all drivers in coupling and uncoupling procedures
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
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.3
Action
Strengthen driver training with quarterly coupling and uncoupling refreshers, procedure review, video learning, comprehension tests, and two-year record retention.
Stated by 3D Trans LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 10 July 2023.
Action
Produce and provide industry-specific guidance on managing coupling and uncoupling risks for articulated vehicles.
Stated by Health and Safety ExecutiveStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 10 July 2023.
Action
Produce and provide cross-industry workplace transport guidance covering practical coupling and uncoupling safety measures.
Stated by Health and Safety ExecutiveStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 10 July 2023.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.3
Position
The strengthened quarterly driver training programme is considered sufficient to address the report, so no additional action is proposed.
Stated by 3D Trans LimitedNo action considered necessaryThe respondent said that no further action was needed.
Position
Employers are responsible for deciding refresher-training intervals based on risks specific to their businesses.
Stated by Health and Safety ExecutiveRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
Existing training, monitoring and supervision measures for 3D Trans drivers are considered sufficient for safe coupling and uncoupling.
Stated by Health and Safety ExecutiveExisting arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.
Cumbria
Concerns raised4
Failure to conduct Jockey Wheel tests to indicate coupling-head engagement
Failure to ensure full engagement of towing mechanisms through full visual inspection
Foreign objects in tow hitch couplings preventing apparent full engagement
Failure to ensure that coupler interiors are free from foreign objects
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.
Exeter and Greater Devon
Concerns raised1
Incomplete training in trailer coupling and uncoupling procedures
This report raised 3 other concerns. 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.
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.1
Action
Improve DROPS operator training for towing KINGS trailers and support it with step-by-step coupling and uncoupling video guidance.
Stated by Ministry of DefenceStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 10 July 2015.
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Includes dedicated failures of tractor-and-trailer coupling safety, including coupling or uncoupling procedures, engagement verification, foreign-object control, operator checks and safety features intended to prevent or respond to decoupling.
