Considering how many people fall off a lorry every year, you'd think that truck operators companies would do more tor prevent their drivers becoming fall guys. Well one operator is doing something about it. Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions (BBUS) www.bbusl.com
By monitoring trends of near misses and claims for injuries sustained on the existing tipper lorry loader fleet BBUS recognised four issues which have now been designed out and will become standard specifications for the industry;
- Load area access - fold away steps and easy grip handles wagon (High visibility yellow)
- Cab access - easy grip handles and steps (High visibility yellow)
- Pneumatic Compaction Plant lift and secure storage system- lowers platform for easy loading and locks for secure storage (High visibility yellow)
- On-board load weighing system - first of its type using weight cells on a tipper body to monitor weight at all times (accurate to within +/- 5%). Fitted with an alarm once maximum load is reached and provides data using the Celtrack tracking system.
BBUS Head of Plant and Transport Steve
Steve adds: "Even though some of the improvements have been quite straightforward, they will make a major difference to the operations teams working practises and safety records. We have ordered forty-four new, tipper lorry loader's giving our operational teams a much improved fleet for working at height." (neat inside body step....too) now click through here for more
Using high-vis yellow paint on the grab handles and steps there's no mistaking the right way to get into this tipper!
Meanwhile, Balfour Beatty Plant & Fleet Services Managing Director, Steve Farmer says: 
Reminds me of the steps at the back of Travis Perkins delivery vehicles---all about safe access....
Isn't this just over the top and crazy. And I bet people will still fall off these lorries, trucks or whatever you want to call them.
I wonder how long that step will stay there once huge lumps of concrete get dropped on it.
No I dont agree Bob, if it saves one accident it is well worth it. As well as being more visible at night, there is that mental reminder that "take care, this thing can hurt you".
I have seen a few accidents on or around lorries and anything that can be done to make them safer is a good idea. The steps, grab handles etc need to be checked at every service and maintained as needed.
speaking as someone who has painted many thompson tipper bodies and i suspect, looking at the photos that this is one made by them?then i can say that all thompson body steps have been this colour for quite some time not just balfour's.i think that this will become standard practice once the "elf & safety" guru's get their teeth into it,in the same way flourescent vests and other work clothing are now mandatory.
Having fallen off the odd truck I tend to agree with Pete.We have to go to a lot of effort for some of the mine vehicles which is sometimes a bit over the top.You do ask yourself what the piont is in putting gates around an entire Tilt Tray,when as soon as they go to put a load on it,they have to remove the gates.