Risk assessments
Before loading and unloading equipment, a thorough risk assessment should be carried out which considers every step of the job, including site risks and hazards, loading, transport, and unloading. This is particularly necessary in the case of an unfamiliar commodity or location and/or where there are unfavourable weather conditions.
Communication with site personnel is necessary to ensure the safety of drivers, workers on the site and the general public. If a specific risk or hazard that cannot be eliminated is identified, operations should not take place until control measures have been determined and implemented.
Safe loading/unloading areas
Before any load or unload commences, we require all drivers to complete a situational risk assessment and implement the necessary controls.
Designated loading/unloading areas should be sectioned off where required, a check should be done for overhead electric cables, the area should be cleared of debris, and any uneven surfaces should be identified.
Pedestrians and workers not involved in the loading/unloading process should vacate the area, there should be no chance of vehicles coming into contact with stray cables or wires and trailers must be parked on firm level ground so the load can be positioned evenly.
A safe waiting place should also be available to all persons on a site that are not involved in the loading / unloading until the operation is completed and loads are appropriately restrained.
Load restraint/security
The golden rule here is: an uneven or overloaded vehicle is a dangerous one. Uneven loads cause the vehicle to lose balance, so all weight should be distributed as evenly as possible across the trailer throughout the loading and unloading process.
If this is not considered, it causes great risk on the road, with overloaded vehicles potentially becoming unstable, making steering difficult and increasing strain on the vehicle when braking.
All equipment should be loaded, positioned and secured in a safe and logical manner that eliminates the risk of movement and in a way that considers the unloading process – to ensure no unnecessary risk at the end of the journey.
Load restraints should be checked periodically to ensure that there has not been any movement of the load during the journey and that there has not been any wear on the restraints themselves and that they are still safe.
Safety equipment and risk prevention measures
We have a range of job-specific equipment and processes in place to ensure loading and unloading of equipment is done safely,
– vehicles are fitted with warning lights and signals and appropriate signage whether it be over size signs or dangerous goods signage,
– high visibility cones are available to cordon off the work zone as necessary,
– qualified forklift operators or crane operators are used when required,
– a harness system is used when working at height, and
– PPE is used at all times.
The loading/unloading area should also feature safeguards to prevent the driver inadvertently moving the vehicle before the load is fully secured.
To reduce this risk, we utilise:
– traffic lights to clearly indicate when safe to move,
– vehicle and trailer restraints to prevent movement, and
– process whereby the vehicle keys and/or paperwork is handed over to the person in charge of loading/unloading, and only given back to the driver when safe to move.