How long or how much experience did your so called safety manager have? Did they even drive a truck? Obviously, some field safety managers- did'nt, just worked in warehouses- if you drive a forklift on the highway I guess they know what classifies as an accident- preventable or non. I've yet to hear anyone getting a non-preventable judgement. I'm sure to have plenty prove me wrong.
I believe we as drivers are to make sure the load is secure before leaving. Pallet jacks included. As for sealed loads- you're screwed.
I was told this when driving a flatbed hauling 50k steel coils. If I made a turn and lost it, I could not tell them the load shifted and get away with it. Either will he. Somewhere someone failed in training. Hope they were not a dock to driver student- being experienced with the dock and loading procedure- they knew the rules, hopefully this is their first preventable, thus keeping their job.
I know, we all need to start somewhere, but with AF- two years of experience was needed to be hired, no more- just two weeks dock, city, and linehaul I guess. Load shifting is no excuse. We have all the tools/common sense needed to prevent this, somewhere something was not used. As for video training if you don't pay attention and laugh about them, the joke is on you. I always have trash fall out of my unit when I open the doors for the D.O.T., and those pesky 2 month old fries in the permit books are always good for a laugh and converstion starter. I sure the heck wouldn't eat them.
I've driven over 20 years both local and OTR, non-union, if it matters- over 1.5 million miles with preventables, not spotless. I have been told this and other companies frown upon hiring experienced people because they bring bad ideas, or try to tell them how to run a company. Some companies don't like spotless drivers either- having experienced accidents makes you as a driver more aware of your surroundings, and being able to cope with the trama afterwards. Union drivers too get the same respect, union pressure is not needed, please don't apply or encourage our drivers- we already treat and pay them well above the industry standards, thanks to your past brothers sacraficing their lives making working period- better for all of us.