Trucks and trailers

Many falls from trucks occur when the operator is alighting to or from the cabin, or when loading and unloading the vehicle or trailer.

Photo of worker using a mobile truck access platform
Man accessing load on truck

To reduce the risk of injury or death as a result of falling from a height:

  • always use three points of contact, face the cabin and use the appropriate grab handles, when getting in and out of the vehicle
  • reduce the need to work at heights by pre-configuring loads to facilitate the unloading process, taking into account the equipment to be used
  • perform work at ground level and take a ‘working from the ground’ approach when loading and unloading vehicles
  • use work platforms, guardrail systems or edge protection, including barriers and handrails, where working from the ground is not possible
  • only use work positioning systems (such as travel restraints) where other controls are not reasonably practicable
  • use load restraints that can be operated from the ground
  • consider the environmental conditions (e.g. severe weather, slippery loads) and their effect on the task you are carrying out.
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