FACTS

1. Overloading: Overloading cargo straps can cause them to fail, which can result in the cargo becoming loose and causing an accident.
2. Improper use: Improper use of cargo straps, such as using them in ways they were not designed for, can also cause failure and accidents.
3. Wear and tear: Over time, cargo straps can become worn or damaged, reducing their strength and effectiveness.
4. Sharp edges: Cargo straps can be cut or damaged by sharp edges on the cargo or the vehicle, leading to failure and accidents.
5. Weather conditions: Extreme weather conditions, such as high winds or heavy rain, can also affect the effectiveness of cargo straps and increase the risk of failure.
6. Straps can break: Load securement web belts can break or fail if they are not properly selected, used, or maintained.
7. Improper placement: If load securement web belts are improperly placed or secured, they can become loose or shift during transport. This can result in accidents, injuries, or damage to property.

STATS

• In 2020, according to (FMCSA), improper load securement led to 12,000 crashes involving cargo securement issues, resulting in 146 fatalities and over 3,000 injuries.
• The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that cargo-related accidents caused 472 injuries and 48 fatalities in 2019.
• The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports, there were an estimated 3,700 non-fatal injuries in the United States related to load securement, and nearly 80% of those injuries occurred during transport by heavy trucks.
• In Canada, cargo-related accidents result in a significant number of injuries each year. According to recent statistics, there are nearly 250 injuries and fatalities annually due to improperly secured cargo on trucks​ (Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, LLC)​. These accidents can occur when cargo shifts during transit, falls off vehicles, or causes rollovers and jackknife incidents due to imbalance​ (Dan Flaherty Law)​​ (The Millar Law Firm)​.
• In Canada, injuries related to load securement are a notable concern within the trucking industry. According to WorkSafeBC, there were over 400 reported injuries related to load securement in British Columbia alone between 2010 and 2020. These incidents include accidents caused by shifting or falling cargo, which can lead to serious injuries or fatalities for truck drivers and other road users.