Antecedents of health and safety issues relating to plant trailer wheels

Wheel detachment from plant trailers used on public highways represents a significant health and safety hazard and major financial risk, especially for construction and utility companies that rely on these type of trailers to transport machinery such as miniexcavators or road rollers. This study uncovers the antecedents of plant trailer wheel detachment and suggests pragmatic guidance for mitigating this risk. A case study using elements of action research studies the problem in the field through direct observation and stakeholder interviews. Analysis of resulting qualitative data conceptualizes antecedents on which guidance is formulated. Risks are found to result from a combination of physical failure underpinned by inadequate human interventions and poor risk management. The primary contributions of the study are that it describes entirely novel research on trailer wheel detachment, produces new safety guidance for businesses and practitioners that operate plant trailers, and resultantly contributes to lowering the risks identified.