Falls from Vehicles: a Hazard of the Job?

Most drivers of vans, goods vehicles or fork-lift trucks believe that a fall from a vehicle or similar accident is “a hazard of the job”. But 300 workers suffered major injuries, including 1 fatality, after falling from a vehicle in 2006. Lawson-West solicitors support the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Falls from Vehicles campaign.

Falls from vehicles aren’t just caused by jumping from cabs, they can also be caused by:-

• diesel contamination on footwear, especially on 5th wheel area

• lips or thresholds on vehicles or trailers which can be tripped on

• anti-slip surfaces not being replaced when required

• loading or unloading outside in wet, frosty or snowy weather

• darkness whether outside or insufficient lighting

• order of goods loaded – whether packaged goods have to be moved around the vehicle before unloading

• need to keep to a timetable leading to corners being cut

• different step heights on cabs

• insufficient room to open cab doors properly making it difficult to get in or out of a cab.

Most injuries involving falls from vehicles and similar accidents are to the back, ankles and jumping from cabs puts cumulative pressure on the back and knee joints causing long term problems. Lawson-West supports the HSE’s call for drivers to be able to refuse to deliver if it is not safe to do so.

If you have been injured as a result of a fall from a vehicle or similar accident, please contact Mark on 0116 212 1000.