If the internals aren’t safely adjustable then you need to tell your employer. Can’t you fasten the curtains and adjust them from inside, I assume once you’re 4 foot higher and an average of 5ft something tall, reaching them will no longer be a problem. Never used a curtainsider myself, I drive a flat bed and strap my loads properly from the safety of the ground.
If you fall off the low loader you’re very likely sprane your ankle, less likely to break something else and it’s still possible you could hit your head on the way. These aren’t risks you should face every day…
As for stairs in your home, you should have a handrail, lighting and common sense to help you… perhaps a stairlift would be better if you’re that worried? 
YES, it’s all a bit BS… but it’s there to help you get home safe, not fast… so long as you’re hourly paid just roll with it.
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Chillidoritos:
If the internals aren’t safely adjustable then you need to tell your employer. Can’t you fasten the curtains and adjust them from inside, I assume once you’re 4 foot higher and an average of 5ft something tall, reaching them will no longer be a problem. Never used a curtainsider myself, I drive a flat bed and strap my loads properly from the safety of the ground.
If you fall off the low loader you’re very likely sprane your ankle, less likely to break something else and it’s still possible you could hit your head on the way. These aren’t risks you should face every day…
As for stairs in your home, you should have a handrail, lighting and common sense to help you… perhaps a stairlift would be better if you’re that worried?
YES, it’s all a bit BS… but it’s there to help you get home safe, not fast… so long as you’re hourly paid just roll with it.
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Moving with an unsecured load is also a risk by this logic so it’s a stalemate. Half of these rules are not there to keep you safe but to keep their wallet safe from a claim after an accident.
What I would like to know is how did the excavator get on the low-loader in the first place? I assume someone drove it on, in which case is he still sitting in the cab because it is unsafe to get out?
waddy640:
I once pointed out to a manager that whilst I wasn’t deemed capable of walking via the same routes around the site as his staff and had to follow the companies designated route, I was deemed capable of driving a 44 tonne lorry around the highways and byways of the UK without being a risk to myself or others.
But you are a terror to Daily Mail readers!
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The working at height regulations (2005) came in to prevent death or injury from a fall from height. That is any height that could cause harm. One of the safeguards from this is keeping 3 points of contact when climbing into your cab. Low level tasks such as securing loads could be covered by a simple risk assessment. If you want to ignore the legislation it is your choice, but don’t start bleating when you receive reduced or no compensation from an injury resulting from a fall, and possible dismissal. Ask your employer how he expects you to comply with the law
I am surprised by the amount complaining about the rules on here, but it is law and it is part of being a “professional” driver
fuser84:
Chillidoritos:
If the internals aren’t safely adjustable then you need to tell your employer. Can’t you fasten the curtains and adjust them from inside, I assume once you’re 4 foot higher and an average of 5ft something tall, reaching them will no longer be a problem.
Moving with an unsecured load is also a risk by this logic so it’s a stalemate. Half of these rules are not there to keep you safe but to keep their wallet safe from a claim after an accident.
Not suggesting you drive away with just the curtains restraining your load, just suggesting the curtain is used to prevent a fall.
The guy in the excavator climbed down backwards using three points of contact at all times. Whilst wearing a hi-viz hazmat suit, hard hat, polarised impact rated goggles, harness with retractable lanyard and a pair of crocs.
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fuser84:
Half of these rules are not there to keep you safe but to keep their wallet safe from a claim after an accident.
+1
Exactly.
Thats what annoyed me in my example earlier. It was against H&S for me to go on the trailer in their yard as that was “unsafe” yet they were perfectly ok with me being on the trailer and trying to strap next to a live carriageway.
When I re did my CSCS the other year it was drilled into us that almost everything is technically working at height. had to laugh when I signed onto a RAMS for kerbing and working at heights was mentioned…
Just slightly off topic , how come golfers on TV can send a golf ball down a crowded fairway and nobody is wearing a hard hat ,spectators are hit on the head all the time they just get a signed glove and everything is hunky dory, same for cricketers sending ‘sixes’ into the stands , where’s the H&S then .
we have new trls where the trl pins are 5ft tall and way to heavy to left up and insert from the ground even if u drop the air on unit and trl.sometimes u only find out u need them when u arrive.many time ive climbed up to insert them and put the 2 straps on each post down boht sides to be told to get down.so i just hand them the posts and straps and im off for a buttie see u when i return so see how u get on.then they soon change their mind.soem say u should it should be done before i get to site.but when u tipped in central london on a job where its not needed and u get told ur reloads 2 mile away where they want u to do it as theres no where to do it.plus if u do it in a layby and fall off no one may see u for hours so ill do when i get on site sod the h&s they can ban me.told office need to get up to do as ive got shoulder problems and can not lift stuff high up.and no im not going on curtainsiders way to much work i manange to do job good enough
The-Snowman:
fuser84:
Half of these rules are not there to keep you safe but to keep their wallet safe from a claim after an accident.
+1
Exactly.
Thats what annoyed me in my example earlier. It was against H&S for me to go on the trailer in their yard as that was “unsafe” yet they were perfectly ok with me being on the trailer and trying to strap next to a live carriageway.
Because the accident won’t be on their site so not their problem. If you fall off in their yard they will be dragged into it because its their site. Its all about being sued/money these days not actual safety.
Health & Safety legislation is fine in practice and was introduced with the best of intentions, i.e to save lives and prevent injuries.
The problem however is the same old story, how do you put it into practice so that it is to everyone’s benefit? The answer is you don’t because like most things it costs money and no one wants to spend it.
It is much easier and cheaper to tell someone to secure their load off their premises than to actually supply steps etc. so it can be safely before the vehicle is moved.
We can all think of examples that would make the job safer with bit of thought and a few pounds spent.
H. and S. should be to the benefit of every one, we ought to be able to go home after a day at work. Sadly the little Hitler types are in charge of H.and S. so any thing can happen. I used to watch Fred Dibnah on tv and wonder how those jobs would be done to day.
Chillidoritos:
If the internals aren’t safely adjustable then you need to tell your employer. Can’t you fasten the curtains and adjust them from inside, I assume once you’re 4 foot higher and an average of 5ft something tall, reaching them will no longer be a problem. Never used a curtainsider myself, I drive a flat bed and strap my loads properly from the safety of the ground.
If you fall off the low loader you’re very likely sprane your ankle, less likely to break something else and it’s still possible you could hit your head on the way. These aren’t risks you should face every day…
As for stairs in your home, you should have a handrail, lighting and common sense to help you… perhaps a stairlift would be better if you’re that worried?
YES, it’s all a bit BS… but it’s there to help you get home safe, not fast… so long as you’re hourly paid just roll with it.
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I understand that you drive a flat bed but surely you don’t think that once the curtains are closed you can then get in and adjust the straps!!!
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wrighty1:
Chillidoritos:
If the internals aren’t safely adjustable then you need to tell your employer. Can’t you fasten the curtains and adjust them from inside, I assume once you’re 4 foot higher and an average of 5ft something tall, reaching them will no longer be a problem. Never used a curtainsider myself, I drive a flat bed and strap my loads properly from the safety of the ground.
If you fall off the low loader you’re very likely sprane your ankle, less likely to break something else and it’s still possible you could hit your head on the way. These aren’t risks you should face every day…
As for stairs in your home, you should have a handrail, lighting and common sense to help you… perhaps a stairlift would be better if you’re that worried?
YES, it’s all a bit BS… but it’s there to help you get home safe, not fast… so long as you’re hourly paid just roll with it.
Sent from my Swift 2 using Tapatalk
I understand that you drive a flat bed but surely you don’t think that once the curtains are closed you can then get in and adjust the straps!!!
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Why not? If your load is heavy enough that your curtain can’t handle it then it’s like likely to be firm enough to stand on of need be and adjust them.
Failing that. Use real straps because you’re employer should know what you’re picking up and prepare you for it.
Don’t accept the bs and make your employer fix the situation. You work for the money that they give you. Not the customer.
“Hello boss, customer says I can’t do this it’s against their policy…”
No need to argue, drive back without the load… you’ll get home quicker.
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Chillidoritos:
wrighty1:
Chillidoritos:
If the internals aren’t safely adjustable then you need to tell your employer. Can’t you fasten the curtains and adjust them from inside, I assume once you’re 4 foot higher and an average of 5ft something tall, reaching them will no longer be a problem. Never used a curtainsider myself, I drive a flat bed and strap my loads properly from the safety of the ground.
If you fall off the low loader you’re very likely sprane your ankle, less likely to break something else and it’s still possible you could hit your head on the way. These aren’t risks you should face every day…
As for stairs in your home, you should have a handrail, lighting and common sense to help you… perhaps a stairlift would be better if you’re that worried?
YES, it’s all a bit BS… but it’s there to help you get home safe, not fast… so long as you’re hourly paid just roll with it.
Sent from my Swift 2 using Tapatalk
I understand that you drive a flat bed but surely you don’t think that once the curtains are closed you can then get in and adjust the straps!!!
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Why not? If your load is heavy enough that your curtain can’t handle it then it’s like likely to be firm enough to stand on of need be and adjust them.
Failing that. Use real straps because you’re employer should know what you’re picking up and prepare you for it.
Don’t accept the bs and make your employer fix the situation. You work for the money that they give you. Not the customer.
“Hello boss, customer says I can’t do this it’s against their policy…”
No need to argue, drive back without the load… you’ll get home quicker.
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I think I’ll carry on as usual and strap the load securely without using your somewhat odd methods.
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Because you’re 10ft tall… I see…
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kcrussell25:
The-Snowman:
fuser84:
Half of these rules are not there to keep you safe but to keep their wallet safe from a claim after an accident.
+1
Exactly.
Thats what annoyed me in my example earlier. It was against H&S for me to go on the trailer in their yard as that was “unsafe” yet they were perfectly ok with me being on the trailer and trying to strap next to a live carriageway.
Because the accident won’t be on their site so not their problem. If you fall off in their yard they will be dragged into it because its their site. Its all about being sued/money these days not actual safety.
Not sure if that is correct, they have knowlingly directed you off site to secure the load rather then let you use a safer area ,and assuming you have adviced them of the dangers of being sent out on to an uncontrolled public road.
dave docwra:
kcrussell25:
The-Snowman:
fuser84:
Half of these rules are not there to keep you safe but to keep their wallet safe from a claim after an accident.
+1
Exactly.
Thats what annoyed me in my example earlier. It was against H&S for me to go on the trailer in their yard as that was “unsafe” yet they were perfectly ok with me being on the trailer and trying to strap next to a live carriageway.
Because the accident won’t be on their site so not their problem. If you fall off in their yard they will be dragged into it because its their site. Its all about being sued/money these days not actual safety.
Not sure if that is correct, they have knowlingly directed you off site to secure the load rather then let you use a safer area ,and assuming you have adviced them of the dangers of being sent out on to an uncontrolled public road.
Did you advise them? Send an email so there is proof? If something happens on site they are involved regardless of cause. If something happens outside they will plead ignorance and I would expect they would get away with it
[/quote]
Did you advise them? Send an email so there is proof? If something happens on site they are involved regardless of cause. If something happens outside they will plead ignorance and I would expect they would get away with it
[/quote]
The HSE are very thorough when they are investigating an incident, and they will look to see what was provided by the vehicle owner & the site operator, and more importantly what was not in place, simple question would be why & how did you allow that vehicle to leave your premises with an unsecured load.