VOSA puts the spotlight on load security

17th December 2013

“Unsafe loads are a risk to all road users, so I would strongly urge operators and drivers to make time for the driver walk around check,” says VOSA’s Industry Liaison Manager Paul Walker.

All drivers of commercial vehicles have a legal responsibility to ensure their load is secure and it is one of the top issues whenever Paul talks to operators and drivers.

“During my meetings with the road haulage sector I am often asked about load safety,” he said.  “I always underline the importance of the driver walk around check to ensure the load is safe and secure. If there are any doubts, you should not drive the vehicle until you are satisfied it is safe.”

As part of the driver daily walkaround, the load security should be checked as a matter of course. Even when a driver collects a pre-loaded vehicle they are responsible for making sure the load is secure.

Paul added that drivers should also ask themselves if:

• The load can slide or topple forward or back?
• The load can slide or topple off the side?
• The load is unstable?
• The load securing equipment is in good condition?
• There is anything loose that might fall off the load or vehicle?
• The load security or stability presents an immediate risk of injury?

These are the type of questions VOSA enforcement officers will ask themselves when assessing the load security of your vehicle.

“We want hauliers to go safely about their business without interruption. But if you are stopped by VOSA enforcement officers and there are concerns about load security then we will take robust action,” said Paul.