I work for a distribution firm and the LGV vehicles we use have internal doors to segregate our various temperature controlled items, the doors are stowed by lifting them up to the roof of the vehicle, we have had a number of instances where the doors have not been stowed correctly by the operator or the doors have failed and then came down striking the operator. After review of the risk assessment we decided to issue 'Bump caps' as added protection for the drivers whilst they are operating under the internal doors, these caps are similar to baseball caps and have a reasonable sized peak. The problem is, i have received a complaint about the suitability of the caps, stating the the cap restricts the view of the driver whilst operating in the rear of the vehicle & quoting a HSE guideline. Are we creating a bigger hazard by issuing the caps? Do you think it is the PPE regulation that is being quoted?

Not all bump caps look like baseball caps. Try googling JSP Bourton bump cap (use the "Images" option in Google and you will see what I mean). I have no links to this company: other manufacturers are available! PH2

Bump caps are to prevent someone banging their head on things, rather than doors falling on them. I would suggest , as SW states, solving the problem with the doors. If that can't be guaranteed, then what about some form of prop to prevent it falling? If required however, bump caps with reduced peaks are available. We implemented them for people working under aircraft, where they needed to look up to check the under side of the aircraft. The peak was only about 1" long.

Having had first hand experience of these doors in a frozen/refridgerated trailer I know the issue you are talking about. certainly maintenance improves the issues of the doors not been secured correctly; the extreme conditions don't help and the wider refridgeration unit performance coupled with training and an understanding of the system as a whole works best. Being 'vertically challenged' myself not to have been able to reach a poorly maintained securing strap in the roof of a poorly maintained trailer I can empathise with drivers who fail to secure the doors securely. Bump caps of any description only treat the symptoms, not the cause and I can appreciate why some drivers may not like the reduced situational awareness. I'm not sure if your doors are the same as what I'm familiar with, but they are actually insulating doors and whilst a bit heavy, are soft (designed that way to create an effective seal) and I would suggest any injury is more likely from being knocked into something (e.g cages, pallets or sidewall) by the swinging door than impact by the door itself, but of course you cannot rule that out and 'impact injury' remians the accident whatever the cause.