I work in waste management and we've recently had two fairly serious accidents with operatives falling off the back of their skip lorries (the reasons for doing so are absolutely understandable and operationally make sense). I'm new to the company (three weeks in the job!), and the existing risk assessment states absolutely that the truck beds should not be accessed...however...during the accident investigations I discovered that there are certain activities that can only be done safely from the truck bed. My feeling is that we should allow access, but put in means to do so safely (there are actually access features manufactured into these trucks). I'd really be interested to know what do others in the industry have in place? Do you allow this? Obviously there's a clear hierarchy of controls to be followed as outlined in the WAH Regs, and if we can avoid work at height we should. However, now that I know the guys are going up there and there's no other way around it I want to control it rather than put in place something that operationally isn't viable and will lead to shortcuts being taken. I'd really appreciate people's thoughts on this, as the H&S approach to date seems to be a clear 'no access', which doesn't seem to be working.

I agree it is difficult to put a ban on drivers working on the back of their trailer beds as you say operationally it is required for various reasons. Of course the hierarchy of control is applied where reasonable, but as controls then we state that where cargo is being loaded / unloaded no personnel are allowed to be on the trailer whilst the cargo is being positioned on or removed from the vehicle (this wording will allow them on the trailer). In addition drivers received brief on working at height issued with "falls from height" cards, not to jump down, use the correct vehicle steps to access trailer, avoid working at rear, curtains and doors kept shut where possible etc

An outright "no" will not work, will it, if access is needed prior-to, during, or after operations. If access is not needed (and it is, even if only to cover the load before driving) then the remedy is obvious! So then you have to decide whether the controls are needed to reduce accidents, or the chance of them occurring, or to reduce the chance of a claim in the case of an accident happening. In the case of the latter, you could then look at the possibility of a claim being successful (low) or even being attempted (low) in the light of the governments actions in preventing the possibility of a claim? (advocātus diabolī)

John Have admit I had to Google that. What is really worrying is that facebook claimed I could view the profiles of people named "advocātus diabolī". Almost make me want to try and see how I get. PS people will not dare make a claim anymore -you could get the sack - only £1,200 to go to a tribunal (how many minimum wage earners have that). Can't help feel this could be a backwards step for H&S As for the OP issue, if the vehicle has built in access, why should they not use it. If it is inadequate, you should go back to the manufacturers with the issues. Chris

Sarah - I take it you/your employer are familiar with all the relevant guidance? At HSE website waste pages, you'll find lots of guidance from the Waste Industry Safety and Health (WISH) Forum. Off the top of my head I'm fairly sure this includes guidance relating to your question.