HSE Notice – Crush risk from powered tilting stabiliser

18 January 2024

The HSE notified the industry of a number of fatalities caused by the retracting leg of a powered tilting stabiliser crushing the individual loading the vehicle.  They state that they are aware of 3 fatal incidents in Great Britain since 2019, where the operator of a lorry loader has been crushed against the bodywork of the vehicle by the retracting leg of a powered tilting stabiliser.

On some lorry loaders with powered ‘tilting’, stabilisers people can be crushed against the bodywork of the vehicle when the stabilisers are being retracted.

Since there is a risk of serious injury or death when a powered tilting stabiliser is rotated to a vertical position, the risk posed needs to be considered in the loading risk assessments and control measures along with training to those individuals involved in operating/loading vehicles fitted with these powered tilting stabilisers.

You can view the HSE safety notice here. Please contact our Regulatory team here if you require any advice.