Scaffolding trucks are incredibly versatile and used by businesses across the UK for moving scaffolding and other goods or equipment to worksites and customers. They are highly favoured because of the easy access they provide to the bed for loading and unloading. Often used by builders, roofers, and landscape gardeners.
Often vehicles such as scaffolding trucks, come into close proximity to the general public, therefore, safety must be considered. Inadequate safety procedures, practices, and operations by companies and drivers can cause fatalities and injuries. This can impact the driver, site personnel, and members of the public. The consequences and liability of such accidents are significant.
According to The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a total of 123 workers were killed at work in the UK in 2021/22. Around a quarter of fatal injuries to workers in 2021/22 were in the construction sector (30 deaths), with a further 18% from each agriculture, forestry, fishing, and manufacturing sector (22 deaths in each). This is a similar profile of deaths in the industry as seen in previous years. The most common kinds of fatal accidents to workers in 2021/22 continue as falls from a height, being struck by a moving vehicle, and being struck by moving, including flying/falling, objects.
Struck-by-moving vehicles accounted for 23 fatal injuries to workers in 2021/22, representing 19% of the total number of deaths over the year. Recognising scaffolding truck safety is of paramount importance. Here we will look at how you can ensure your business and drivers safely use your scaffolding trucks to reduce injury risks.
Correct Use Of The Scaffold Lorry
Scaffolding safety begins with the same preventative measures as owning and using any other type of truck. As a business and scaffolding lorry owner, you should:
- Ensure daily driver vehicle checks are conducted every day and that your drivers are trained in how to perform these
- Check your team’s driving licences to ensure they do not have any points or a driving ban
- Check that driver hours do not infringe on the regulations
- Consider if it is safe to call your drivers while they are driving
- Ensure that all vehicles are well-maintained with scheduled maintenance
To reduce the risks of trips, slips, and falls, when handling the load on your scaffolding trucks, you should:
- Work from the ground level, where possible, when securing the load, and during unloading and loading
- Identify and fix any trip hazards such as loose shrink wrapping or damaged banding
- Take extra care during wet, icy, and snowy weather conditions
- Ensure loading, unloading, and load securing checks take place away from moving traffic, machinery, or equipment
- Consider wearing a harness when you have to stand on the truck’s bed
- Load and unload on level firm ground
Securing the load on scaffolding trucks is equally crucial, particularly as many of the loads are irregular in shape. You should:
- Ensure the vehicle’s brakes are applied
- Ensure scaffolding is not leaned against or propped up by the side of the bed
- Arrange the load so that the weight is distributed evenly to prevent loads from sliding around
- Do not overload the truck to prevent instability while driving
- Ensure the floor and deck are safe and in good condition
- Avoid overhanging loads
- Check the load has not moved during transit to assess offloading risks, where the load may shift or fall when restraints are removed
Good Quality Trucks
Your vehicle’s condition plays a significant role in safety risks. It is vital that you purchase good-quality scaffolding trucks from a reputable dealer. Often, they will independently check all vehicles for safety and mechanical issues. At Cromwell Trucks, we have a large selection of used dropside and scaffold trucks for sale at our base in the West Midlands. Our stock of used flatbed lorries ranges from smaller vehicles of 7.5 ton to larger vehicles of 18 and 26 tons. You should choose a top-quality brand, whether you are buying new, nearly new, or used, such as DAF, Iveco, Hino, and Mercedes Benz.
Our used scaffold trucks boast low mileage, and you can choose from automatic and manual transmissions. The vehicles range from 2006 with all of them with an emissions class of Euro 4 or Euro 5. Additionally, we can customise your truck for your bespoke needs including brand colours, logos, and accessories such as cranes.
To find out about the latest good quality trucks from the top brands at Cromwell Trucks contact us today.