Inspections Reveal Over 70% Of HGV Loads As Unsafe

Last year a number of spot checks were carried out on HGV vehicles in a joint initiative between the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Vosa. The outcome of these checks revealed that most loads were unsafe and needed drastic action to make them secure for drivers and loading staff.

The two organisations that performed the road side checks were shocked at the considerable number of unsafe HGV vehicles on the road.

Figures have shown that 2000 injuries have occurred on UK roads over the last three years because of unsecured cargo falling from vehicles, making these loading checks all the more significant.

Due to these high figures, the HSE will be introducing a campaign that will increase awareness and provide assistance in securing loads correctly.

This should then reduce the amount of incidents on the roads and decrease injuries during the loading and unloading of heavy goods vehicles.

The benefits of adhering to these correct loading procedures also include increasing business productivity, cheaper HGV insurance rates and a reduction of haulage insurance claims.