Container door opened during transit
- Safety Flash
- Published on 31 July 2025
- Generated on 21 February 2026
- IMCA SF 13/25
- 2 minute read
Whilst in transit, a truck driver noticed a container door swing open whilst the truck was moving.
What happened?
A third-party workshop container containing equipment was offloaded from a vessel. Whilst in transit back to the supplier the truck driver noticed the container door swing open whilst the truck was moving. The truck driver was able to pull over safely and proceeded to secure the container door with straps. As a result of the door opening, a 36kg cable reel had fallen onto the back of the lorry. The general public were exposed to a risk from our members’ operations.
What ought to have happened
- Equipment within the workshop container should have been secured for transit.
- The container door should have been properly locked or secured to prevent opening while in motion.
- A thorough pre-mobilisation inspection to identify concerns with the condition of the container.
What was positive?
- The container was placed with the door facing the direction of travel - this may have been why driver was able to spot that the door had opened and why the loose item didn’t fall on to the road carriageway;
- The immediate response by driver prevented increased risk and potential for serious incident involving members of the public.
What are the lessons and actions?
- Ensure suppliers are properly informed as to company requirements relating to the shipping, packaging, lifting, transport and inspection of provided containers and equipment.
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Ensure appropriate levels of inspection are conducted at supplier pre-mobilisation, with confirmation of visual inspection of supplier container and secured contents, and container door closing/locking mechanisms, to ensure safe transport and delivery of equipment and materials. This could include checks of:
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- Correct storage of equipment within the container;
- Operation of container doors, locks or alternative securing methods to prevent accidental opening during onwards transit.
Related Safety Flashes
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IMCA SF 10/17
12 May 2017
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IMCA SF 15/24
31 July 2024
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IMCA SF 09/18
24 April 2018
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IMCA SF 10/17
12 May 2017
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