Container placement
What is the issue?
Placement of a container in an inadequate location onsite can lead to a number of risks including:
- electrocution
- slips, trips and falls
- falls from height
- collision of people and plant
- physical fatigue
- musculoskeletal disorders
- risk of being hit by unrestrained items or falling loads.
How can I manage this?
The risk of injuries arising from the placement of the container can be eliminated or significantly reduced by:
- consulting with workers who will be unpacking the container
- consulting with other site users prior to placement of the container on common property
- considering the proposed container site prior to its arrival, including the path of navigation to its resting place. For example, are there obstacles, overhead power lines or any other dangers?
- selecting a suitable area for unpacking on level undamaged ground with sufficient space to open doors and provide safe access
- paying close attention to the stability of the container if it is positioned at a height to access a loading dock. You should consider lowering the landing leg of the trailer to sure this up
- ensuring the site has adequate space to operate plant in and around the container and to set down a load outside of the container (this should be considered in your Traffic Management Plan)
- ensuring there is sufficient lighting in and around the container for unpacking and operating plant
- considering the environmental conditions of the site, for example, heat, rain and ventilation; and the appropriateness for workers unpacking in these conditions.