Hi,

I'm just looking to get a few opinions on this topic. Long story short, I've recently started working for a transport company with a fleet of drivers; one of our customers has just informed me that they have a policy of not allowing any work to be carried out on the backs of trailers unless under exceptional circumstances and with the use of suitable & sufficient access & fall protection. There issue is with falls from height. Our risk assessment states that there should only be work carried out on these as a last resort if there is no possibility of being able to complete the work from the ground outside. If there is work carried out on trailers, it should only be done on appropriate walkways and not the outside edges of the trailer and definitely not whilst loading or unloading.

The work we carry out on trailers is (under normal circumstances) simply strapping the load and tightening the straps and, as such, it's short duration. I understand that fall restraint, edge protection, etc. would be good as it would eliminate the hazard of falls. However, we've never had any similar incidents or near misses previously; and with the time spent and work completed on trailers, I would question whether issuing all trailers with harnesses or similar would be reasonably practicable. Does anyone have any more cost-effective/less time-consuming suggestions?

Many thanks in advance