Tragic Incident Involving HGV Driver Sparks Call for Improved Safety Measures
In a harrowing incident that occurred in November 2021, David Lyth, a 45-year-old HGV driver, found himself caught between two lorry trailers during a horrifying rollaway incident while working at the 3D Trans Ltd yard in Widnes. Mr. Lyth, who was employed through a driving agency at the Shell Green Industrial Estate, was attempting to couple up a trailer to his cab when the accident took place.
Regrettably, Mr. Lyth was discovered unresponsive, and despite being rushed to Whiston Hospital, he could not be revived, with his cause of death ultimately determined as asphyxia, as concluded by the assistant coroner for Cheshire, Charlotte Keighley.
The incident has brought attention to the crucial importance of securing parking brakes on tractor and trailer units. Assistant Coroner Keighley expressed her concerns regarding the lack of regular and periodic training for all drivers concerning proper coupling and uncoupling procedures. She emphasized the necessity for action to be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future, urging both 3D Trans Ltd and the Health and Safety Executive to respond to her report before September 1, 2023.
In response to the incident and the Coroner’s Report, 3D Trans Ltd released a statement expressing their commitment to ensuring the safety of their employees and contractors. They revealed that they were deeply saddened by the events and had taken significant steps over the years to implement measures to prevent rollaway incidents. This included providing comprehensive training to all their drivers on the safe process of coupling and uncoupling trailers, with an emphasis on applying both the handbrake and trailer brake.
The company acknowledged that the training was intended to supplement the mandatory industry training completed by all drivers. Despite these efforts, the jury’s findings indicated that Mr. Lyth had unfortunately not applied the vehicle’s handbrake or confirmed the application of the trailer brake, leading to the conclusion of an accidental death.
As a response to the Coroner’s Report, 3D Trans Ltd has further fortified its training scheme. They now ensure that periodic refreshers are regularly provided to all drivers, reinforcing the importance of adhering to safe standards of work.
The tragic incident involving David Lyth has shed light on the significance of maintaining strict safety protocols in the transportation industry. The hope is that this incident serves as a catalyst for the implementation of further safety measures to prevent similar accidents and safeguard the well-being of drivers and workers in the future.
