Fall from flatbed truck (3 May 2023)
A worker was helping a driver to unload stock from a flatbed truck when he fell approximately three metres from the truck’s tray. The worker was seriously injured when he landed on a pile of aluminium and the concrete ground.
Safety information
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with loading and unloading trucks.
Ensure:
- you develop a work plan in consultation with all workers involved in the task. This should detail how to perform the task
- you provide information and training to drivers. This should include a safe system of work and loading and unloading procedures
- a safe system of work is established and workers only move objects from ground level where possible
- if working from ground level is not possible, ensure that a safe system of is developed to access the tray for work to be undertaken
- an exclusion zone is set up around the truck during loading/unloading processes to separate plant and machinery from people
- before loading or unloading materials, identify and eliminate hazards
- a traffic management plan is in place and all workers attending the site are provided with this information
- workers wear appropriate personal protective equipment, for example high-visibility clothing
- ensure workers are trained and competent in using plant and machinery (such as cranes), as well as lifting equipment. This includes holding High Risk Work licences where required
- the vehicle selected to transport loads is suitable for the task
- lifting equipment is used to remove objects from trucks, such as a forklift or crane
- temporary platforms, guard rails or fall arrest systems are used to minimise the risk of falling if workers are required to complete tasks at height
- fasteners and load restraint systems are used
- loads are pre-configured to allow easy access and removal during the unloading process
- plant and machinery are regularly inspected and maintained by a competent person
- the truck is immobilised and cannot move during the loading/unloading process, for example the handbrake and stabilisers are deployed
- workers do not place themselves between the load and the truck or other equipment.
Related guidance material
- Code of Practice – Managing the risk of falls at workplaces (PDF, 2326.56 KB)
- Code of Practice - How to manage work health and safety risks (PDF, 556.72 KB)
- Code of Practice - Managing the risks of plant in the workplace (PDF, 1987.96 KB)
- A guide to work health and safety in the road freight transport industry
- Safety around your vehicle (SAYV) glove box guide