Get On and Off Trucks in the Warehouse Safely
Loads fall
An unsecured load shifts inside the trailer and is more difficult to unload. The load may have to
be unloaded manually or can fall on to people.
Even if the load was packed carefully, if it is not secured and shifts in transit, it presents a risk on
The road and when it arrives at its destination. Loading and unloading can be extremely time-
pressured – with no time to stop and carefully consider the risks of unloading an unstable load.
Spilled loads can lead to road closures and cause significant delay and congestion.
People fall
Sending someone up onto the trailer bed puts them at risk of falling off.
Many falls from vehicles occur during loading and unloading.
People don’t need to fall far to seriously injure themselves.
Handling occurs during the:
■ loading and unloading of delivery vehicles at the newspaper and magazine producers and
throughout the distribution chain;
■ making up of orders at the wholesalers;
A significant feature of the industry is the pressure to work quickly, which means that risks to
handlers are likely to be greater than if they could work at a more
To prevent falls from the cab or load bed
Before you set off, check that steps or handholds are in good condition.
On refrigerated vehicles, check the floor for ice or water and follow any instructions you are
given to reduce the amount of water.
Wear non-slip footwear.
The assessment must consider the following:
The task: In particular, activities which involve holding or manipulating loads at a distance from
a person’s trunk, awkward body movement or posture (twisting or stooping), strenuous pushing
or pulling, unnecessary repetitive handling, lack of time to rest or recover, or long carrying
distances.
The working environment: For example constraints on posture (working in low ceiling vans,
uneven floor surfaces, variation in working levels), poor lighting and wet, cold or icy conditions.
The individual’s capability: For example, the need for job specific training, individual physical
characteristics such as the immaturity of delivery boys/girls, or ill health/existing injuries.
General advice
■ Arrange rest periods and task changes to help avoid the overtiredness that can increase the risk
of injury. Remember that moving bundles is physically demanding work.
■ Ensure that the number of workers available matches the anticipated demand for their services.
For example, short notice contract labor can be brought in when high-profile news stories break
and there is demand for extra copy.
■ Use handling aids or mechanized handling to reduce the risk of injury.
Loading vehicles
■ Move loads as near as possible to the vehicles.
■ Palletize loads (particularly at the publishers) for large deliveries.
■ Use boom loaders or retractable conveyors at the publishers’ premises to reduce twisting and
lifting during vehicle loading and palletizing by hand.
■ Use low friction surfaces and rakes/pusher devices in the backs of small delivery vehicles.
■ Use vehicles with both side and rear doors.
The load: In particular, size, weight, ease of handling, and whether symmetrical ‘two-handed’
lifting is used (where workers carry two bundles at the same time, one in each hand). A
symmetrical lifting technique is preferable and creates less risk only in circumstances where you
are not increasing the overall weight of the load.
Although bundles are generally compact, and the strapping provides a good handhold, remember
that weight variation can mean that the ways lighter bundles are handled can be dangerous when
handling heavier bundles. Remember also that strapping can cause cuts.
Securing loads safely is good for business - product is delivered intact and on time.
To secure a load safely you need to make sure it is:
Restrained – tied firmly down to the load bed; and
Contained – it can’t move around (shift) inside the vehicle.
The only way to do this is with strong chains or webbing straps (lashings) attached directly to the
vehicle.
To prevent hitting a pedestrian
Ask about the layout of the sites you are delivering to. Segregation is an essential element in the
loading/unloading process. It is important to have only the people involved in the process present
in area where the activity is taking place.
Observe traffic lights, signs, road markings, speed limits and one-way systems – if you don’t
understand a sign or if you think it is hard to see, tell someone.
Remember that you become a pedestrian when you step out of your vehicle.
Don’t let anyone guide your vehicle around the site unless you know they are a trained banksman
or signaler.
To prevent slips and trips
Wear well-fitting, slip-resistant safety footwear when working on vehicles.
Keep the soles of your footwear clean.
Clean up spills and dirt, such as diesel or mud on the catwalk or load area.
Keep the load area tidy – pick up loose ropes and packaging.
Find out more about slips and trips
To prevent injury caused by poor manual handling
Follow your employer’s guidance on lifting and moving loads.
Use the correct equipment to load your vehicles safely.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment
If your employer gives you personal protective equipment to wear, for example slip resistant
footwear, be sure to use it whenever you need to. Keep it in good condition and report any faults
or excess wear.
Loading and unloading areas should be:
Clear of other traffic, pedestrians and people not involved in loading or unloading.
Clear of overhead electric cables so there is no chance touching them, or of electricity
jumping to 'earth' through machinery, loads or people.
Level. To maintain stability, trailers should be parked on firm level ground,
Loads should be spread as evenly as possible, during both loading and unloading. Uneven
loads can make the vehicle or trailer unstable.
Loads should be secured, or arranged so that they do not slide around. Racking may help
stability.
Safety equipment must be considered. Mechanical equipment and heavy moving loads
are dangerous.
Guards or skirting plates may be necessary if there is a risk of anything being caught in
machinery (for example dock levellers or vehicle tail lifts). There may be other
mechanical dangers and safety procedures to be considered.
Ensure the vehicle or trailer has its brakes applied and all stabilizers are used. The vehicle
should be as stable as possible.
In some workplaces it may be possible to install a harness system to protect people
working at height. Provide a safe place where drivers can wait if they are not involved.
Drivers should not remain in their cabs if this can be avoided. No-one should be in the
loading/unloading area if they are not needed.
Vehicles must never be overloaded. Overloaded vehicles can become unstable, difficult
to steer or be less able to brake.
Always check the floor or deck of the loading area before loading to make sure it is safe.
Look out for debris, broken boarding, etc.
Loading should allow for safe unloading.
Loads must be suitably packaged. When pallets are used, the driver needs to check that:
They are in good condition
Loads are properly secured to them.
Loads are safe on the vehicle. They may need to be securely attached to make sure they
cannot fall off.
Tailgates and sideboards must be closed when possible. If over-hang cannot be avoided,
it must be kept to a minimum. The over-hanging part of the load must be clearly marked.
If more than one company is involved, they should agree in advance how loading and
unloading will happen.
For example, if visiting drivers unload their vehicles themselves, they must receive the necessary
instructions, equipment and co-operation for safe unloading. Arrangements will need to be
agreed in advance between the hauler and the recipient.
Some goods are difficult to secure during transport. Haulers and recipients will need to exchange
information about loads in advance so that they can agree safe unloading procedures.
Checks must be made before unloading to make sure loads have not shifted during transit, and
are not likely to move or fall when restraints are removed.
There must be safeguards against drivers accidentally driving away too early. This does happen,
and is extremely dangerous. Measures could include:
Traffic lights.
The use of vehicle or trailer restraints.
The person in charge of loading or unloading could keep hold of the vehicle keys or paperwork
until it is safe for the vehicle to be moved.