Coil Almost Killed Me

Well, not exactly, one of the chains did. As I was securing a 42,000 lb coil today, in Houston, TX I was finishing my last chain, and then my day took a drastic turn. Sweat, dripped into my eye. I stood up quickly, turned around, cracked my shin on the chain binder, causing me to do the shuffle of pain, and not stepping high enough over the next chain, causing me to take a very brief and painful flying lesson, off the deck. Thankfully, the landing was not as bad as it could have been. But I laid there for a few minutes, thinking about the series of unfortunate events, that led me to looking at cloud formations, from a horizontal position. I asked another driver, who saw everything, and came over to offer assistance, if that qualified as a "Preventable."

Here is the coil in question, and yes, I took it after I fell.

Always remember to be careful out there.

Just remember.........it is not the fall that kills you....... it's the SUDDEN STOP!

Glad you are ok. The good news that every mishap makes you more careful. Survival 101.

Glad you’re okay after that spill. I fell down, too. Once.

I see a lot of problems with your securement but the one thing I’m wondering the most is if the coil is touching the deck.

I see a lot of problems with your securement but the one thing I’m wondering the most is if the coil is touching the deck.

Expand on this for those non-flatbed, like me.

The angle of the picture doesn't allow conclusive evidence on whether the coil in fact was touching the deck or not

I see a lot of problems with your securement but the one thing I’m wondering the most is if the coil is touching the deck.

No, it is not touching the deck. I have 4 coil racks and 2 4x4.

If you are referring to hooking to the pockets, Reitnouer rates them, for that type of use. I also semi blocked my turn signal.

No it just seems you’ve run your threads pretty close down to 1/2”. I also take it your company doesnt protect the customer product by using beveled lumber or metal edge protectors which also protect your chains. Hooking to the pocket like that is fine just seems like a good way to damage a pocket.

I see a lot of problems with your securement but the one thing I’m wondering the most is if the coil is touching the deck.

No, it is not touching the deck. I have 4 coil racks and 2 4x4.

If you are referring to hooking to the pockets, Reitnouer rates them, for that type of use. I also semi blocked my turn signal.

I used old cut up 4" straps, for edge protection. You can't really see it from that angle. I normally do not hook to the pockets, like that, either, but it just worked better that way, this time. But yes, I did run the thread more than I liked, on a couple. I was unable to adjust the chain links accordingly. Any tips?