Worker sandwiched between two trailers

(Extracted from MOM OSH Alert, dated 8 February 2007)

A fatal accident took place at a pre-fabrication yard where a worker was hit by a trailer that was in the process of being coupled to a prime mover. During the coupling process, the trailer moved backwards and hit the worker who was working at the rear of another stationary trailer about 1 metre away. This resulted in the worker being sandwiched between the two trailers.


Ministry of Manpower (MOM) urges all occupiers to take greater ownership to prevent workplace accidents. The Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations requires all workplaces to conduct risk assessments to identify the source of risks, actions that should be taken and parties responsible for doing so. Safe work procedures must be instituted, communicated and implemented to ensure the safety and health of workers involved.

Advisory Note – tips for prime mover coupling process
(Please note that the following advisory note is provided for the benefit of enhancing workplace safety and health and in no way should the information is to be misconstrued as implying any liability on any party)

Always check that the vehicular access path is free from any pedestrian.

Before any coupling operations, position a banks man to guide the vehicle and to prevent anyone from coming close to the trailer;

Ensure that the trailer braking system is properly maintained and effective;

Ensure that the prime mover reversing speed is slow and consistent;

Always choke the prime mover and the trailer rear wheels using proper wheel chokes to prevent accidental movement of the vehicle;

Always issue a warning signal to the surrounding workers before reversing the prime mover.