There is ‘widespread ignorance’ among lorry drivers and hauliers about loading and securing responsibilities, an investigation has found following the death of a driver on the M8, writes Chris Tindall.
Drummond Distribution driver James Murray died after his truck toppled over on the motorway when his load of 41 pallets of paper and plastic shifted during transit in 2022.
His curtainsided trailer had been loaded by the consignor and as James Murray had not requested any straps to be applied to the freight, the employee proceeded on the basis that load securing was the responsibility of the driver.
An investigation into his death heard from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which said it was a common misconception in the industry that the driver was the only responsible party for a load.
HSE officer Nina Day said: “The Road Traffic Act is clear that responsibility is shared between the driver and anyone who causes or permits the vehicle to be on the road.”
A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into Murray’s death found that despite work being done to promote the issue, there remained a widespread problem in haulage.
FAI Sheriff Iain Nicol said: “The diligent employer will do what is required. But clearly that is far from a universal position.”
