Truck Crashes – Bolts in Spring Hanger Broke

Hazard Alert

Truck Crashes after Bolts in Spring Hanger Broke

A tractor trailer truck loaded with pulpwood was travelling south on Highway 8 in Milton, Queens County. The driver heard a loud snap in the front-end. It appears the bolts in the right spring hanger broke off. The front axle slid back, jamming the wheel against the frame and body.

The series of events resulted in loss of steering and the dumping of the load. There was additional damage to the truck when it left the road. There were no injuries as a result of the incident. The driver was wearing his seat belt and travelling at or below the speed limit.

Recommendations to Prevent a Recurrence

Additional attention must be given when servicing highway trucks in areas such as steering to prevent bolt fatique.

Inspect suspension for broken bolts or loose spring hangers during regular maintenance checks.

Goals of the FSSNS

  • Save lives and reduce injuries.
  • Reduce all costs associated with work place accidents.
  • Improve profits.
  • Maintain compliance with regulatory bodies.
  • Manage and establish ownership of industry managed loss control programs.
  • Reduce Workers' Compensation rates.
The Forestry Safety Society of Nova Scotia is registered under the Societies Act of Nova Scotia. It is a separate entity, having a Memorandum of Association and By-Laws. The Society is governed by a Board of Directors, representing all sectors of the forest industry.