A straddle carrier tipped over at Eurogate Container Terminal Hamburg earlier this week, killing the driver
The accident occurred shortly before the end of the night shift at around 5am CET (3am GMT) on Wednesday, 18th January 2023. The straddle carrier tipped over as the machine was being driven without a load on the way to pick up a container.
The 29-year old driver is believed to have died on impact. His body was taken from the cabin by the fire brigade whilst the police and the Office for Work Protection begun their investigation. When we learn more about this tragic accident, we will let our readers know. Our thoughts are with the friends and family of the young man.
LOLER specifies the need to carry out a thorough examination of Straddle Carriers at least once every year. It is important however not to rely completely on this one inspection. Companies should also complete regular visual inspections throughout the intervening period.
There are many factors that can contribute to straddle carrier incidents
The following points illustrate some of the most common safety problems:
1. Unsafe equipment: Broken, improperly maintained, or missing safety equipment, such as lights, seat belts, brakes, and horns, can lead to injuries and fatalities.
2. Inadequate traffic controls Lack of proper signage and lane markings may lead to injuries and fatalities.
3. Condition of terminal driving surfaces
Not long ago i read a story about a straddle carrier incident at Peel Ports which highlighted the importance of surface safety inspections. The incident at the terminal happened when a straddle carrier ran over a pothole and immediately went into full lock. The straddle carrier did not overturn but suffered a major stability incident. Findings from the subsequent investigation found that the straddle carrier had a faulty potentiometer which caused the emergency brake and full lock to be applied at same time after hitting the pot hole.
Following the incident Peel Ports now carry out fortnightly surface safety inspections and commenced a gap analysis project on Straddle Carrier safety and control features to reduce the likelihood of a similar incident.
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Assuming the risk of deterioration is present with any equipment, the importance of pre-use checks to identify any day-to-day damage, faults or failure cannot be underestimated. The Good to Go Safety Straddle Carrier inspection checklist system is flexible, allowing pre-shift start, daily, weekly, monthly or annual checks to be implemented – every site is likely to have differing requirements and the Good to Go system can be adopted to suit those needs. Written records of completed straddle truck inspections are retained as part of an audit trail, and any equipment that fails an inspection can be withdrawn from service for repair or maintenance with a “Do Not Use” message displayed in the tag for all to see until such time that repairs are completed. Placing the status tag at the entry point to the vehicle helps maximise visibility to all potential users and once the completed checklist is placed inside the tag it will clearly state the status and date of the last inspection, helping remove the risk of assuming that someone has already carried out the checks by clearly displaying if it has been completed.
The accident occurred shortly before the end of the night shift at around 5am CET (3am GMT) on Wednesday, 18th January 2023. The straddle carrier tipped over as the machine was being driven without a load on the way to pick up a container.
The 29-year old driver is believed to have died on impact. His body was taken from the cabin by the fire brigade whilst the police and the Office for Work Protection begun their investigation. When we learn more about this tragic accident, we will let our readers know. Our thoughts are with the friends and family of the young man.
Source: click here.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------LOLER specifies the need to carry out a thorough examination of Straddle Carriers at least once every year. It is important however not to rely completely on this one inspection. Companies should also complete regular visual inspections throughout the intervening period.
There are many factors that can contribute to straddle carrier incidents
The following points illustrate some of the most common safety problems:
1. Unsafe equipment: Broken, improperly maintained, or missing safety equipment, such as lights, seat belts, brakes, and horns, can lead to injuries and fatalities.
2. Inadequate traffic controls Lack of proper signage and lane markings may lead to injuries and fatalities.
3. Condition of terminal driving surfaces
Not long ago i read a story about a straddle carrier incident at Peel Ports which highlighted the importance of surface safety inspections. The incident at the terminal happened when a straddle carrier ran over a pothole and immediately went into full lock. The straddle carrier did not overturn but suffered a major stability incident. Findings from the subsequent investigation found that the straddle carrier had a faulty potentiometer which caused the emergency brake and full lock to be applied at same time after hitting the pot hole.
Following the incident Peel Ports now carry out fortnightly surface safety inspections and commenced a gap analysis project on Straddle Carrier safety and control features to reduce the likelihood of a similar incident.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assuming the risk of deterioration is present with any equipment, the importance of pre-use checks to identify any day-to-day damage, faults or failure cannot be underestimated. The Good to Go Safety Straddle Carrier inspection checklist system is flexible, allowing pre-shift start, daily, weekly, monthly or annual checks to be implemented – every site is likely to have differing requirements and the Good to Go system can be adopted to suit those needs. Written records of completed straddle truck inspections are retained as part of an audit trail, and any equipment that fails an inspection can be withdrawn from service for repair or maintenance with a “Do Not Use” message displayed in the tag for all to see until such time that repairs are completed. Placing the status tag at the entry point to the vehicle helps maximise visibility to all potential users and once the completed checklist is placed inside the tag it will clearly state the status and date of the last inspection, helping remove the risk of assuming that someone has already carried out the checks by clearly displaying if it has been completed.
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