HSE safety warning

Following one death and 11 other accidents in the past five years involving lorry-loaders, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a safety warning.

The accidents all occurred when the lorry-mounted crane was being used without the stabilisers being extended. In this configuration the truck can tip sideways when lifting a heavy load.

The HSE has also highlighted the requirement under The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulation 1992 for all new lorry-loader cranes to be fitted with an interlock system. This prevents the crane operating without the stabilisers being deployed.

Many suppliers offer such systems as an option, but at meetings with the Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers, the HSE has made it clear that new lorry-loader cranes must be fitted with these devices. It is also seeking to amend a draft European standard for lorry-loader cranes to require the fitting of such safety devices.

l After the revelation in last week's CJ of the number of similar plant-related deaths, the HSE said that it is considering similar bulletins for other areas in the construction industry but has no specific plans.