Preventing Falls From Trailers: A Shared Safety Responsibility
Falls from height remain one of the most serious risks in transport and logistics, particularly during loading and unloading operations. Despite increased awareness across the industry, incidents continue to occur, often during routine tasks that can feel familiar and low risk.
A recent case reported in the industry press highlights the potential consequences when suitable safety measures are not in place. A visiting HGV driver sustained life-changing injuries, including a brain injury and multiple fractures, after falling from a trailer while manually moving cages during loading at a site in County Durham. The investigation found that appropriate controls to prevent falls had not been implemented, resulting in significant enforcement action.
While incidents like this are rare, they act as an important reminder of why robust loading procedures, clear communication and shared responsibility are essential.
Work at height should never be the default
Stepping onto a trailer can feel like part of the job, but it should only happen when absolutely necessary. Wherever possible, loading and unloading should be designed to take place from ground level using mechanical aids or suitable systems that remove the need to work at height altogether.
Where work at height cannot be avoided, appropriate fall-prevention measures must be in place. This may include edge protection, platforms or restraint systems, alongside clear instruction on how and when they should be used.
Safe systems of work protect everyone
Drivers should only be expected to load or unload when clear, safe systems of work are provided. This includes having the right equipment available, understanding the loading plan, and knowing who to speak to if something doesn’t feel right.
Importantly, visiting drivers are owed the same duty of care as permanent employees. Sites must ensure that safe access, procedures and equipment are available to all drivers, regardless of employment status.
The right to stop and speak up
Drivers have the right to stop a job if conditions are unsafe. Challenging unsafe practices is not about delaying work, it’s about preventing harm. A moment taken to raise a concern can avoid serious injury, protect licences and prevent disruption for both drivers and operators.
Early reporting also matters. In the incident above, a stuck cage wheel was a contributing factor. Reporting damaged, unstable or stuck loads immediately allows issues to be resolved safely before they escalate.
Clear communication is critical
Safe loading depends on effective communication between site teams and drivers. Everyone involved should understand the loading process, the risks involved and the controls in place. Assumptions and unclear instructions increase risk, particularly during busy periods.
Why this matters
Falls from trailers remain one of the most common causes of serious injury in logistics. The Health and Safety Executive continues to reinforce that employers must take effective steps to prevent falls, either by eliminating work at height or by providing suitable equipment and safe systems of work.
For drivers, operators and clients alike, good safety practice protects people, licences and businesses. No delivery, deadline or loading slot is worth a life-changing injury.
At Employ, safety, compliance and driver wellbeing remain central to how we operate. Sharing reminders, reinforcing expectations and learning from industry incidents helps ensure that everyone gets home safely at the end of the shift.
