26 Jun 2023 Anthony William Rockall · Prevention of Future Deaths report Buckinghamshire
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Concerns raised 2
Use of pallet trucks and unloading methods incompatible with the receiving vehicle View source Unsafe combined weight of loads, pallet trucks and people on truck tailgates View source
This report raised 3 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
No linked response statements No respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
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Anthony William Rockall · 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
Anthony William Rockall died at John Radcliffe Hospital on 26 April 2022 from a head injury sustained when he fell from the tailgate of a truck during unloading at a reclamation yard. The pallet truck was longer than the tailgate, and concerns were raised about the unloading method, the weight on the tailgate, and the absence of subsequent reviews or changes to working practices, leaving risks of loads, equipment or individuals falling from the tailgate.
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How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Use of pallet trucks and unloading methods incompatible with the receiving vehicle
Wider context from the report “It was clear from the evidence that the pallet truck being utilised and the manner of unloading were incompatible with the truck being unloaded in that the pallet truck was longer than the tailgate of the truck and the method adopted required the pallet truck wheels to drop off the tailgate, grounding the load . There were also concerns expressed about the weight of the load, pallet truck and two individuals on the tailgate. Buckinghamshire Council evidence indicated a letter had been written to you on 27th September 2022 but your evidence was that this had never been received.
The letter was described as informing you that you must review health and safety procedures at your premises, including the use of the pallet truck and the loading and unloading of client and casual workers’ vehicles.
It was indicated you were also to assess the suitability of equipment for the task to be undertaken and to review who was permitted to use the equipment and when.
Evidence at the Inquest was that there had been no review and no change of working practices since the incident involving Tony Rockall and that a pallet of bricks delivered on a truck such as was being used by Mr Rockall would be unloaded in exactly the same way now as then.
It is clear that such practices could give rise to the toppling of a load, the pallet truck or an individual falling from a truck tailgate with the risk of fatal injuries arising.
” Source location Anthony William Rockall · Prevention of Future Deaths report
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How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Unsafe combined weight of loads, pallet trucks and people on truck tailgates
Wider context from the report “It was clear from the evidence that the pallet truck being utilised and the manner of unloading were incompatible with the truck being unloaded in that the pallet truck was longer than the tailgate of the truck and the method adopted required the pallet truck wheels to drop off the tailgate, grounding the load. There were also concerns expressed about the weight of the load, pallet truck and two individuals on the tailgate. Buckinghamshire Council evidence indicated a letter had been written to you on 27th September 2022 but your evidence was that this had never been received.
The letter was described as informing you that you must review health and safety procedures at your premises, including the use of the pallet truck and the loading and unloading of client and casual workers’ vehicles.
It was indicated you were also to assess the suitability of equipment for the task to be undertaken and to review who was permitted to use the equipment and when.
Evidence at the Inquest was that there had been no review and no change of working practices since the incident involving Tony Rockall and that a pallet of bricks delivered on a truck such as was being used by Mr Rockall would be unloaded in exactly the same way now as then.
It is clear that such practices could give rise to the toppling of a load, the pallet truck or an individual falling from a truck tailgate with the risk of fatal injuries arising.
” Source location Anthony William Rockall · Prevention of Future Deaths report
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12 May 2021 Steven James Oscroft · Prevention of Future Deaths report Nottinghamshire
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Concerns raised 3
Failure to load tipper lorries with loose materials below the level of the sides View source Failure of sheeting systems to fully cover and secure loose materials on tipper lorries View source Failure of mesh sheeting systems to fully cover and secure loose materials on tipper lorries View source
Linked responses
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Paul Wainwright Constructions Services Ltd
Stated actions An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised. 9
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Amend GOV.UK load-security guidance with specific advice on securing bulk loads.
View source
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Arrange targeted roadside checks of bulk trailer and skip lorries on strategic and urban roads.
View source
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Produce communications highlighting the revised load-security guidance alongside the targeted roadside checks.
View source
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Continue prioritising load security during enforcement encounters and scrutinising operators’ load-security compliance systems.
View source
Paul Wainwright Constructions Services Ltd
Implement reduced-volume loading procedures and provide formal loading and load-safety instructions and method statements to all drivers.
View source
Paul Wainwright Constructions Services Ltd
Engage health and safety consultants to review loading procedures and risk assessments.
View source
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Work with HSE to develop additional practical load-security material for Driver CPC training providers.
View source
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Provide load-security training covering securing methods, vehicle types and securing equipment to vehicle examiners.
View source
Paul Wainwright Constructions Services Ltd
Fit every fleet vehicle with a sheeting system that fully covers and securely restrains carried loads.
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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.
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× 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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13 Mar 2017 Andrew Terrance John Lownes · Prevention of Future Deaths report Inner West London
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Concerns raised 1
Lack of unloading instructions identifying the function and route of load-securing bands View source
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
No linked response statements No respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
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AI-generated summary
Andrew Terrance John Lownes · 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
Andrew Terrance John Lownes was fatally injured on 5 June 2015 when a glass curtain window unit toppled from a transport stillage while he was working on the 17th floor of a construction site in London. The report identified concerns that the consignment lacked written unloading instructions and that the complex banding arrangements made it difficult to identify how the units were secured, creating a risk that a heavy unit could fall during unloading.
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How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Lack of unloading instructions identifying the function and route of load-securing bands
Wider context from the report “1. The consignment of GCWUs which arrived on site from a factory in Switzerland was not accompanied by written unloading instructions , despite:
• Containing two GCWUs each weighing around 600kg
• The narrow nature of GCWUs -- which meant they were likely to fall if not adequately secured to the transport stillage at all times.
• The relatively complex nature of the banding arrangements which secured the GCWUs to the transport stillage, involving some bands which were around the individual GCWU alone, others which lashed a particular GCWU to the stillage and others which sought to bind the entire consignment. Some of the bands lay positioned on top of other bands which served a different purpose. The entire load was shrink wrapped which added to the difficulty of identifying the function and route of a particular band around the load.
In consequence, it was not obvious to those unloading the consignment which band served which purpose . This gave rise to a risk that in the course of unloading a band might be cut inadvertently resulting in the fall of a heavy GCWU. Workers in the vicinity could be in a position of jeopardy, as was the case here.
Evidence was taken from an expert witness who had considerable experience in construction site management. He said when he examined an identical consignment after the tragedy it took him over an hour to work out the function of the multiple bands placed on the consignment.
2. Although not relevant to the Inquest into Mr Lownes’ death, it is pertinent in my judgment, to refer to another Inquest which I conducted in Leeds in 2009 involving the death of Alan Fletcher, a man aged 59 who sustained fatal crush injuries whilst unloading a container of GCWUs in Leeds. Although that incident involved goods shipped in a container from the UAE rather than on a stillage, there are common features between the two cases:
➢ The absence of unloading instructions
➢ Tall, heavy, narrow based items which have the potential to cause harm if not secured at all times.
” Source location Andrew Terrance John Lownes · Prevention of Future Deaths report
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8 Oct 2013 Kuldeep Singh Dhillon · Prevention of Future Deaths report East London
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Concerns raised 1
Lack of restraint for palletised loads during loading, unloading and road transport View source
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
No linked response statements No respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
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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.
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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
Open source report
Actions and positions describe what organisations say in published responses. Implementation is not independently verified.