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.

CCTV photo of the rear of a truck.
CCTV image of the truck involved in the incident.

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

Further information

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