Posted By Susan Drake
We have a number of deliveries to customers' sites with no loading docks. The deliveries are made on box trailers, some of which have no tail lifts or built in access ladders/steps and grab handles.
Our management's suggestion is some kind of ladder/step ladder that is sufficiently robust but that can be carried fixed to the rear of the tractor unit.
Has anyone else experienced this situation and come up with a sensible and safe solution?

Posted By Jerry Lucey
Firstly you need to risk assess your trailers and the potential fitted ladder/ steps you are proposing to fit as you need to make sure that you are not creating a new more serious risk than the one that already exists. You need to clearly identify what the severity and liklihood of the current risk and then risk assess any foreseeable risk created by the new construction/ addition. you should measure one against the other and if the old risk is greater then you may be justified in fitting your ladder or step. You may also consider the need for CE marking.

Would the new step create a risk to third parties i.e. would a step/ ladder protruding from the back of a vehicle cause a trip risk to members of the public?


I know this is not answering the question you asked Susan but hope it helps.