Tractor Trailor Overturns carrying Excavator

Scottish Woodlands Health & Safety Advice

To avoid an area marked by a cone the tractor trailer driver transporting a 7.5 tonne excavator moved slightly to the left-hand side of the road to continue the journey. On immediately feeling the tractor being pulled sideways, they stopped the tractor and saw the trailer starting to tip onto its side into the adjacent field with the excavator on board. The tractor did not move from the road or overturn.

No one was injured and no other vehicles were involved. There were no fuel spillages or fluid leaks following an inspection of the machines. The trailer and excavator were righted using crane recovery, a few hours later.

How Do We Prevent this Happening Again? - Ensure all roads and access tracks are fit for intended use in advance of planned works. Escort vehicles should stop, warn and aid the transport vehicle past any obstructions. If you are concerned about any forest road or forest access routes safe condition, please report this to the Forestry Works Manager.