PFD report

Steven James Oscroft · Prevention of Future Deaths report

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Issued 12 May 2021•Nottinghamshire

Report record

Published report and response evidence

This page connects the concerns raised in this report with statements found in recipients’ published responses. A link shows a clear evidence connection; it does not assign responsibility.

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Concerns
3

Raised in this report

Recipients
3

Named on the report

Responses found
2

Of 3 recipients

Stated actions
10

Described in responses

Recipients and published responses

Source document

Full report text

This is the full text from the original published report.

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Concerns and recipient responses

Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

Concerns raised3

  1. Failure to load tipper lorries with loose materials below the level of the sides
    Part of recurring concern: Failure to reliably secure loads on road vehiclesPart of recurring concern: Unsafe loading and unloading of heavy vehicle loads
  2. Failure of sheeting systems to fully cover and secure loose materials on tipper lorries
    Part of recurring concern: Failure to reliably secure loads on road vehiclesPart of recurring concern: Unsafe loading and unloading of heavy vehicle loads
  3. Failure of mesh sheeting systems to fully cover and secure loose materials on tipper lorries
    Part of recurring concern: Failure to reliably secure loads on road vehiclesPart of recurring concern: Unsafe loading and unloading of heavy vehicle loads
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 recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised.9

  1. Action

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

    Stated by Driver and Vehicle Standards AgencyStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 24 May 2021.
  2. Action

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

    Stated by Driver and Vehicle Standards AgencyStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 24 May 2021.
  3. Action

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

    Stated by Driver and Vehicle Standards AgencyStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 24 May 2021.

Respondent positions A position is what a recipient says about a concern when it does not describe a specific action.2

  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 remitThe respondent said that this matter was outside its role or authority.

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

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. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

Yes — Failure to reliably secure loads on road vehicles; Unsafe loading and unloading of heavy vehicle loads.

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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. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

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. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

Yes — Failure to reliably secure loads on road vehicles; Unsafe loading and unloading of heavy vehicle loads.

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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. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

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. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

Yes — Failure to reliably secure loads on road vehicles; Unsafe loading and unloading of heavy vehicle loads.

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

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

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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
Page 3 · response
Published 24 May 2021

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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
Page 3 · response
Published 24 May 2021

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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

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

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Other statements in published responses

These actions and other statements could not be clearly connected to one concern in this report.

Recipient-stated actions An action is something a recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised.1

  1. 1

    Develop ongoing driver training criteria and schedules.

    Stated by Paul Wainwright Constructions Services LtdStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 24 May 2021.

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

Develop ongoing driver training criteria and schedules.

Verbatim wording from the response

“While each driver has received specific instructions on these procedures and guidance, the Company’s Health and Safety Consultants are currently designing on-going training criteria and schedules for drivers.”

Source location

2021-0162-Response-from-Paul-Wainwright-Construction-Services_Published
Page 4 · response
Published 24 May 2021

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Information checked against the published report and official responses · Data reviewed 7 Sep 2026 · About data quality and limitations

Data last updated 7 September 2026