I am a member of various Facebook groups, one such group has pointed out how large steel coils of sheet metal are transported around the country. There are better ways to load the coils (sometimes weighing 27.8 tons each) than simply relying on wooden wedges and webbing straps. One such method employs a propriety steel framework that surrounds the load, allowing the load to be treated as a cube not round disc. Moving anything with round sides is problematic at best. Some trailers use a wedge actually in the trailer deck, but even this is unstable, even with straps attached. Transporting what are known as Top Hats are equally difficult and could also be transported using a metal frame to contain the load, making it easier to control. Tata steel requires several straps around a Top Hat, but does not think to use a metal frame to hold the load - personally I think this is both stupid and short sighted.

Another 'problem' appears to be that many companies transporting steel appear not to be aware of accurate loading plans and method statements - it just appears to be completely forgotten about, the reality is that people say it's the drivers responsibility! To me this flies in the face of H&S.

There is obvious concerns of not reporting this to the HSE, for fear of losing a contract or being black balled or the thinking that this is the status quo (the way it's always been done) or simply ignorance.

So how do you go about changing a distribution method if you are at the bottom of a pyramid?

Kim, if as you claim that there are far better ways to do this, then you shouldn't have too much trouble convincing others! Sorry I'm being slightly flippant I guess. Seriously though if it really is far better, why isn't this the industry standard? I wonder if this might be because the 'propriety steelwork' would then have to be returned and that this adds additional cost and effort? Health and safety might be one justification for change but you might find ease and efficiency might for many businesses be more of a deciding factor. If you broaden your arguments you may have more luck.