Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY21 020 – Safe Operation of Dock Levellers on Loading Banks – Serious Fractured Foot Accident:
Overview:
An MGV driver suffered a serious fractured bone in his foot after stepping on an uneven surface on a dock leveller.
Description, Issue and Impact/Effect:
An MGV driver was operating a dock leveller at a mail centre. The dock leveller extends and drops into the back of the vehicle. The driver was operating the controls to the dock leveller and his left foot was overhanging the leveller plate, as the leveller dropped into the vehicle the weight from his overhanging foot gave way and he rolled his ankle breaking a bone in his foot.
Operating dock levellers should only be operated whilst in a position of safety ensuring that feet and all equipment is kept clear of moving dock levellers whilst being operated. The result of this accident was a painful fractured foot bone.
Learning Points
- When operating dock levellers, drivers and dock staff must ensure feet are on solid ground not on the moving dock leveller.
- Ensure the dock leveller is completely installed in vehicle before moving towards the vehicle.
Key Management Activities and Messages to Drivers and Staff Working On Loading Docks:
- Brief all drivers and staff on the Dock Leveller Safe System of Work.
- Drivers and staff to ‘stay clear of moving dock levellers’ and be aware of the potential hazards.
- Monitor compliance to dock leveller use and feedback using your Safety Conversations.
Area Health and Safety Reps
Would all CWU Area Health and Safety Reps please note and communicate the content of the Safety Flash, supporting the key messages and learning points, reminding members of the importance of looking after their own safety as well as the safety of work colleagues when operating dock levellers. Carry out spot safety inspections and report any non-compliance or other issues.
Attachment:
RMG SHE Safety Flash FY21 020 – Safe Operation of Dock Levellers on Loading Banks
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
CWU Eastern No5 Branch 
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