Tail Lift Failure

In 2016 a tail lift on a goods vehicle, carrying an employee and a loaded manual pallet truck, collapsed. 

It was determined that 2 U-bolts securing the tail lift to the underside of the vehicle failed. This caused the front of the tail lift to fall to the ground resulting in injury to the employee.

This incident reveals the importance of carrying out regular service checks in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Cleaning of component parts of the tail lift may be required to look for signs of wear and tear.

Tail lifts on goods vehicles are subject to 12 monthly statutory examinations and certification in accordance with the 2007 Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations.

The relevant legislation can be found at www.irishstatutebook.ie or on the HSA website.

Photo 1: Damaged U-Bolt

Photo 2: Shows what the bolts should look like when in good repair