Multiple deaths and injuries occur each year in Australia as a result of incorrectly loading and unloading trucks.
The following principles and actions are designed to prevent such events.##reword
The load restraint guide makes a number of suggestions with respect to loading and unloading.
Planning
Plan to take into account the load, vehicle and equipment characteristics.
- Loading plan
- Load stacking and placement arrangement
- Use appropriate loading equipment.
- Use the appropriate load restraint equipment and methods.
- Unloading plan
- Check your load for movement or stability before removing restraints and unloading.
- Use appropriate equipment for unloading.
- Documentation. Document an appropriate loading and unloading procedure and load restraint system that is displayed and easily accessed by packers, loaders, drivers and other parties in the supply chain.
- Use loading, unloading and load restraint diagrams for different types of loads to support safe and compliant loading.
- Use a template that requires the person in control of packing or loading the goods to verify the accuracy of any records.
Training
- Make sure everyone understands.
- Train all people on the loading and unloading site according to their role.
- Include loading and unloading exclusion zones in site inductions.
Work execution
Clarify who has authority.
- The loader has authority over the activity and directs the truck driver or others to make sure the activity is safe.
- The loader and the truck driver discuss how the loading and unloading will occur.
- Plan escalation procedures should there be disagreements.
Separate equipment and people.
- Establish the following zones:
- Loading and Unloading Exclusion Zone. No people or other equipment can enter this area. Mark the area with fences, witches’ hats, electronic sensors, barriers or similar.
- If the driver is present establish a driver safety zone, to allow line of sight between the loader and the truck driver so that the driver can observe the loading or unloading.
Include additional measures.
- good layout of the area to maximise visibility.
- additional spotters observing the activity.
- site-specific measures, especially for complex sites.
Communication
Check there is fit-for-purpose communication between the loader and the truck driver.
- This includes hand signals, two-way radio, talking, etc.
- Maintain line of sight between the loader and the driver.
- If broken, the loader immediately stops and waits until the line of sight is re-established.
- Stop work if people enter the Loading and Unloading Exclusion Zone.
- The Loading, Unloading Exclusion Zone (LUEZ)
- Guidelines provide more information on this topic.