Source · Prevention of Future Deaths

Paul Littlewood

Ref: 2015-0187 Date: 13 May 2015 Coroner: Julian Fox Area: South Yorkshire (West) Responses identified: 1 / 3 View PDF

Gantry safety barriers were too low, lacked an intermediate crossbar and toe-plate, and fall protection at the access ladder was inadequate, creating significant fall risks.

Date 13 May 2015

56-day deadline 30 Jul 2015

Responses identified 1 of 3

Accident at Work and Health and Safety related deaths

Coroner's concerns

AI summary

Gantry safety barriers were too low, lacked an intermediate crossbar and toe-plate, and fall protection at the access ladder was inadequate, creating significant fall risks.

View full coroner's concerns

(1) The fixed barrier at the centre of the gantry was 1 metre in height, and there was no intermediate crossbar, leaving a gap of 1 metre, through which it would be quite easy to fall.

(2) There was no toe-plate to delineate the edge of the platform (3) The gantry was accessible by means of a fixed ladder. At the top of the ladder, fall protection is provided by a single cable which is set at a height well below 1 metre. It provides a pivot for a fall, rather than fall prevention.

(4) In my opinion, both the fixed barrier and the fall protection at the top of the access ladder should be set at a safer height. Reference to the Working at Height Regulations 2005 may well provide helpful guidance.

(5) Consideration should be given to a self-closing mechanism for any barrier that is fitted at the top of the access ladder.

(6) Consideration should also be given to the installation of a falls arrest system which can be attached at ground level. R Plevin and Sons Ltd have indicated that since Mr Littlewood’s death, they have retro-fitted a system that they consider suitable at a cost in the region of £500.00 per trailer.

Responses

1 respondent

Freight Transport Association

29 Jul 2015 PDF

Noted

The Freight Transport Association extends condolences and states that it will continue to provide guidance to members in relation to assessing and managing their risk, including their guide 'Preventing Falls from Vehicles'. (AI summary)

View full response

Dear Mr Fox Paul Littlewood (deceased) Further to your letter dated 13 2015, please find the Freight Transport Association's (FTA) response below. Firstly, the Association and its members would like to extend sincere condolences to the family of Mr Littlewood, FTA is a trade association and, as such, has no mandate to compel our members to act: Therefore, contrary to your belief; we do have power to take action as described in section six of your report_ However, we do recognise the concerns you have raised and we will, of course, continue to provide guidance to our members in relation to assessing and managing their risk, including our guide (formulated in partnership with the Health & Safety Executive) Preventing Falls from Vehicles: This publication can be freely downloaded at: wwwfta couklpolicy_and_compliancelhealth_&nd_safetylworkplace_transport_safetyhtml trust that this letter meets with your requirements, but should you need anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Report sections

Investigation and inquest

On 8th July 2014 I commenced an investigation into the death of Paul Littlewood, aged
48. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 11th May 2015. The conclusion of the inquest was that Mr Littlewood died of head injuries incurred when he fell from the gantry of a Le Gras trailer. The jury was unclear how he came to fall.

Circumstances of the death

Whilst unsheeting a walking floor trailer manufactured by LeGras, Mr Littlewood, who was described as a very safety conscious man, fell from the gantry at the front of the trailer, sustaining head injuries from which he sadly died the following day. Evidence was given that in all material respects, the design of LeGras and Stas gantries is identical.

Copies sent to

Secretary of State for Transport

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Shared signals

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Report details

Reference: 2015-0187
Date of report: 13 May 2015
Coroner: Julian Fox
Coroner area: South Yorkshire (West)

Responses identified

Responses identified 1 of 3

2 responses not yet linked

Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 30 Jul 2015.

Sent to

Steadplan Ltd

Freight Transport Association Ltd

Road Haulage Association

Source links

Judiciary.uk page → Report PDF →

Data: judiciary.uk under OGL.