QUEENSLAND WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY – QUEENSLAND DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AND ATTORNY-GENERAL

This is a ‘Workplace Health and Safety’ activity update for Turf Queensland members.

Securing Loads on Trucks Safety Campaign

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is currently running a safety campaign to help workers, operators and employers understand the risks involved with securing and releasing loads on heavy vehicles.

This campaign, which aims to reduce work related traumatic injuries and musculoskeletal disorders, is assessing 500 loading and unloading activities at dispatching or receiving worksites across Queensland.

Inspectors are focusing on the use of gates, curtains and tie-down equipment (chains, webbing and tensioners) while securing or releasing loads.

Inspectors provide information and suggest solutions to issues they find to the person conducting the task, as well as those with health and safety obligations covering the task or workers.

There are simple steps workers can take to eliminate or reduce the risks involved with the following hazardous tasks while loading and unloading trucks.

Handling gates: eliminate the need for gates by using approved load bearing curtains. The risk also is reduced by using hanging, sliding or swinging gates that lock into the vehicle. If the gate has to be removed, place it on a solid platform that is about the same height as the truck tray.

Handling curtains: eliminate the risk by using automatic curtains that are self opening and closing and reduce the risk by making sure the curtains slide easily. When opening and closing curtains, check for tripping hazards, and walk slowly so the curtain moves smoothly.

Lashings and corner protectors: eliminate the risk by using a load securing system that does not require the worker to use lashings. Using an elevated work platform to ensure workers do not climb onto the truck to pull straps over the load also cuts the risk. Apply lashings and corner protectors while standing on the ground using a lightweight extension pole.

Tensioning chains and webbing: eliminate the need for chains and webbing by using a truck that is custom-designed for loads and reduce the risk by using webbing straps as an alternative to chains. If chains are required, avoid using an over-centre lever load binder or an extension bar to increase chain tension. Consider using a turnbuckle non-rebounding tensioner.

Further information

For more information visit www.worksafe.qld.gov.au or call the Workplace Health and Safety Infoline on 1300 369 915.

Last updated 27 April 2012