It does sound like a bad accident so i can see where you are coming from. But i would look at introducing a simple system for inspecting pallets rather than carrying a full audit or inspection. i would look at training those that place items on pallets or loading them on the racking. A quick visual inspection should identify any pallets that should not be used and a proper method of collecting faulty pallets so they are not just left laying around for someone else to use. Are the pallets used owned by yourself or are they what deliveries come in on so you have not control what state the pallets might be in. i would look at employees carrying out quick visual inspection of the pallet before loading. Can you not look around your yard to find pallets that are faulty or even use the photographs of the one involved in the accident. Also ensuring adequate pallets are available as often people will give up looking and just use what ever they can find which will often be the one others deemed unsuitable. also you could look at purchasing steel/ aluminium pallets or plastic but i guess this will depend on the numbers and likelihood of them not disappearing on someone else's truck. What was the root cause of the accidents, why was the faulty pallet used in the first place lack of pallets, employees failed to spot faulty pallet or they just didn't think it would be an issue. Phil

There is also some useful advice on pallets in the Storage Systems chapter in HSG76 Warehouses and Storage: A guide to health and safety, download free from HSE publications - http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg76.pdf