Dump trucks, just like any other vehicle, have been associated with a number of accidents over the years. According to M. McCann of the Construction Research and Training Center, 829 construction workers have been killed by dump trucks between 1992 and 2007. Some of the hazards these vehicles may be exposed to include fire, collisions with other vehicles, brake failures, short circuits and speeding accidents.
New features that improve security
Due to the number of accidents caused by dump trucks, the need has arisen to develop new safety measures that involve changing some of the standard features of these trucks. Some of these measures protect the driver, while others protect bystanders. Some of the features you can expect on the new dump trucks include:
– Tailgate Protection: This feature will prevent damage to the cabin in the event of a head-to-tail or head-to-head collision.
– Speed reduction: trucks will be equipped with speed limiters. These will be mechanical or electronic. Speed limits will be set by individual management and therefore will not be standard for all trucks.
– Blind Spot Mirrors: This will help prevent accidents caused by blind spots to the driver.
– Seat belt warning: this is an alarm that will indicate to the driver whether or not the seat belt has been used.
– Two brakes: Newer truck models will have two brakes instead of one. The additional one will act as a failsafe, in case the first one doesn’t work properly.
– Reflectors on all sides of the truck. This will increase the truck’s visibility to other drivers at night.
Ways in which dump trucks can be used safely
Having seen how dump trucks can be a source of danger, here are some guidelines on how to avoid accidents when unloading truck loads:
– Monitor the area where the spill is to be carried out to avoid accidents at work. According to Safe Work Australia, in mining and construction (two of the most common industries where dump trucks are used) workers’ compensation claims stand at 6.7% and 11.2% respectively.
– Make use of orange or green cones. These cones are used to alert bystanders that dangerous activity is taking place. These cones should be placed at the corners of the trailer. If possible, it would be even better to get a spotter to help you. Spotters are lookouts and will flag any potential accidents as you unload cargo.
– The site where the load will be unloaded must be firm and level. It must be strong enough to support the weight of the truck in addition to its cargo. This should be determined during the initial exploration of the area.
– Drivers should never try to get out of a truck that is overturning. Instead, the driver should try to stabilize himself by using the back seat of the truck or while holding on to the steering wheel. Only after the vehicle has stopped should the driver get out.