I’ve recently seen two separate (but similar) instances of people working at height on top of the sort of “long vehicle” artics that have tarpaulin tops. Both times they were just pulled into a side street, and I wondered what others’ thoughts were on the way it was done as it’s not work I’m familiar with. On the first occasion, the load section was filled almost to the brim with large pieces of wood waste. The driver initially walked on top of the waste. It was extremely uneven underfoot, and there was real comedy potential in the weird, jerking up-and-down walk he was doing, IF there hadn’t been a risk that he could fall either inside (as the wood shifted under him) or off the container altogether. He had to lean over the edge to loosen the tarp, and once it was pulled across he had to walk back to the front to get down. This possibly presented more risk of a slip, because he couldn’t see whether he was putting his feet on something solid, but he couldn’t fall into the container. He was wearing a harness, connected to nothing(!) and looked scared to death, to boot. I went outside to talk to him, and I swear I didn’t come on as the big H&S guy (not my style, even in my industry!) but I did wonder if I was going to get a thump at the end of it. Is this normal practice in this work? How SHOULD it be done? Do they actually have more protection available but don’t use it? Bear in mind he wasn’t at a depot, so there was no extra help available. Asking out of interest, and so I have a bit more info available for "next time", all comments gratefully received! Steve

Pete Thanks for the link to the guidance - I wasn't aware of it. As I said, not my field at all. Having now read it: as you said, about as far from the guidance as possible. Now you've mentioned the likely reasons, I'd guess it's the middle one. I pass the area frequently and there are often artics backed up waiting around the place. At least I'll be a bit more certain of my ground come the next time. Cheers Steve

Clearly best practice is not followed everywhere as the O.P. indicated in his posting. However, the O.P. asked for advice on how it should be done safely and why it might be that the driver was working this way. Do you have any advice on how it should be done as safely as possible in the ' real world' where the driver has no option but to access the top of a vehicle? p48

Actually you asked if it was normal practice and I answered that IMO it is still a relatively normal practice - even if undesirable. Despite what you think there are many occasions when it is not possible to use anything but a flatbed and on occasions that means sheeting. Sometimes this is being done where there are no mechanical handling aids (such as telehandlers) and no access facilties either. Risky? Yes. But there is not always a solution to risk except being careful. I don't intend to start a thread on whether people should intervene as that has been discussed so many times on the forum already. But unless you intend to become a full time superhero how can you possible hope to prevent accidents that are out of your control.

Tenn you did right IMO to try to save an accident / incident. I do believe Clair and Pete have given their opinions which you cannot question. Your original appeal was is this common practice and how do others do it. It was common practice which has now been superceded by sheeting gantries and self sheeting vehicles.(Not ideal in some cases) The interesting fact is the driver had a harness on so why was he not using it, a call to his company may have been the better option.(Saves a flat nose) We have had 2 complaints this week alone of Drivers not using harnesses which they have been issued with and trained in their use. My concern is regarding his wearing of harness and not clipped on was their anyplace to clip on? Our work is not climbing over uneven unstable loads like you encountered and fair play to how you handled it. Sadly as others have said it is still common practice for this to happen and his/her company are the only ones who can remedy it but only if they know. We have signed of £10,000 this week to new systems to eliminate problems caused through WAH and I was happy on the original systems we used but have to move with the times. Well done for trying. Ta Alex

JohnMurray: Like Pete48, pretty much exactly what I was after. Thanks. Alex: Also, thanks for the insight. Wasn’t after a “well done for trying” but it made me smile. The phone call would have been the right thing, but there was a part of me wondering whether he would lose his job (better than his life, but, but, but……….), and what about the meantime? Clairel: My apologies, I didn't get that answer from your post. My bad. Your second para above puts it much more clearly, thank you. And careful? He was not! I know I can’t change things that are out of my control, (or they wouldn’t be out of my control…………..?). I’m also not even a part-time superhero, far from it. I’d have to wash my undercrackers more often, for a start. Damelfc: As a Wednesdayite, I can only wish you no luck at all for this weekend’s match, and thank you for keeping Sir Nigel warm until he takes his rightful place at the helm of the Owls! Re. your post: absolutely agree. If we get their hearts and minds, we won’t have to interfere, they’ll “get it”. But if the “truth” is as bad as this, do we do nothing about it? Thanks to everyone for replying.