David Alexander
14 Feb 2017 · Coroner Lydia Brown · Exeter and Greater Devon
The coroner's concerns
1. overturn of articulated lorry
“overturns are not uncommon in this particular section of the industry, but are infrequently reported as there is no requirement to do so”
2. hydraulic ram bracket failure
“cause/s of overturn are not well understood or recognised as post event investigations are not carried out and there appears to be little knowledge or industry practise regarding regular inspections and/or replacement schedules in respect of the hydraulic ram brackets”
3. lack of industry guidance
“There is little or no industry guidance available relating to this issue”
4. absence of inclinometers on older lorries
“It is not standard to fit new articulated lorries with inclinometers and they are not routinely, if ever, used on older vehicles notwithstanding that it is recognised that a very slight gradient of over 2 degrees can (at full extension of the hydraulic ram when fully loaded) cause overturn”
Responses
2017-0044-Response-by-HSE.pdf ↗· Health and Safety Executive
Stated action · 2017
“The HSE survey of Devon feed mills in 2017 involved an initial fact-finding visit to site by a non- warranted Visiting Officer followed up by a visit from an Inspector”