Working on and around trucks presents many challenges and this is particularly evident at the Sime Darby Commercial Group (SDCG) modification centre in Palmerston North.
The facility customises and converts vehicles to customers’ briefs where “one size” does not fit all.
A recent example was the conversion of a Mack Superliner 6×4 to an 8×4 with the addition of an extra axle, which could not have been accommodated at the factory manufacture stage.
Fitting modifications to a vehicle frequently involves working at height to enable additional roof lighting, fitment of custom wing-mirrors, reversing cameras and many other such additions as requested by the customer.
Working at height has been a key focus area for Worksafe (and previously the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) due to the large number of life-changing injuries and fatalities that occur in New Zealand from this activity.
Since 2010, there have been 27 fatalities related to falls from height.
A 2017 Worksafe investigation found that more than 50% of falls were from less than 3 metres, and approximately 70% of falls were from ladders and roofs.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 sets out the performance required of duty holders.
A duty holder is any person or company that has specific requirements as outlined in the legislation, including employers (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking), workers or contractors.
Duty holders must take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of workers when they are exposed to potential risks or hazards.
Sime Darby Motors NZ environmental, safety and health manager Mags Rimmer says when assessing the risk of falls from height, SDCG looks at the frequency and duration of the task as well as the height of the potential fall.
“Ladders work well as a means to access many areas.
However, the risk of falling increases when a ladder is used to perform work tasks.
Workers who lean outside of the ladder supports are further exposed to this risk.
If force is applied, this again increases the instability of the ladder.
All these factors come into play when modifying vehicles, with the frequent need to overstretch,” Rimmer says.
“With the average height of a truck cab and trailer at around 3 metres, there is significant risk of injury from falls.
When considering options, it is important to review the number of work tasks to be performed and the freedom of movement required.
Fall arrest systems should be the last resort as these can often limit workers’ movements, requiring additional training and an emergency rescue plan.
“Considering that a large proportion of work is at between the middle to the top of the cab, a custom working platform would offer not only the best protection from falls, but also the best freedom of movement and flexibility for the worker.
For smaller jobs where lower access is required, mobile work platforms have also been introduced.
“All SDCG work sites have now been ladder-free for the past 12 months.
While it is difficult to quantify any reduction in potential injuries, staff have reported that they feel much safer, are able to complete the work quicker by not having to reposition ladders.
Customers too have commented on SDCG’s commitment to staff safety,” Rimmer says.
