Planning

Roadside delivery/pick-up introduces a number of hazards such as backing into busy streets, crossing footpaths, parking on public streets and interacting with the public.

It should be avoided where possible but where this is not reasonably practicable, adequate control measures need to be implemented.

Consider the use of barriers, signs, cones, lights or a traffic control person. Also consider the ability of other road users to see the stationery vehicle and the loading/unloading operation and avoid contact.

You should include these considerations as part of your planning for safe loading/unloading in consultation with the delivery/pick-up site.

When loading/unloading from trucks, ensure the work has been planned for safety in consultation with those who will be undertaking the work, such as any mobile plant operators.

Consider the work environment where the loading/unloading will take place and:

• ensure adequate lighting to work locations
• provide a safe loading/unloading surface area
• have workers wear appropriate personal protective equipment – e.g. high-visibility work gear.

It is also essential to put measures in place to ensure the truck cannot move during loading/unloading. Consider:

• using dock locks, air-brake isolation-interlock devices, barriers or ‘stop’ signals
• prevention of unauthorised access to ignition keys and cabin
• what systems you have in place that alert the driver when it is safe to leave.

Before delivery/pick-up - Adequate information for drivers

Before delivery/pick-up, information on the following should be provided (where applicable) to drivers:

• any restrictions on the types of vehicles that can be accepted into the workplace
• delivery times
• site information, including loading/unloading area, parking facilities, reception, amenities
• traffic management plan if one is in place
• site induction
• reporting procedures on arrival and departure
• safety procedures on-site, e.g. wearing high-visibility clothing, using mobile phones
• availability and use of equipment
• person in charge of loading/unloading
• incident notification and reporting requirements
• emergency contact details.

As the transport operator, you should also provide supply chain businesses with any necessary information on the vehicle being used. For example, consider the dimensions of the vehicle in relation to the delivery/pick-up site.

Exclusion and safety zones

Exclusion zones to separate non-essential workers from the loading/unloading area should be clearly established.

A safety zone for the driver should also be available and communicated.

Exclusion zone and safety zone considerations:

• specify a pedestrian exclusion zone around the truck and areas where mobile plant operate
• specify a safety zone for the truck driver
• erect sturdy barriers, such as fences or gates, around the safety zone – or, if these are unavailable, use chains or tape
• no-one should enter the exclusion zone without the mobile plant operator’s approval (as the licensed person undertaking the work)
• the mobile plant operator should not begin loading/unloading until everyone is clear of the exclusion zone
• maintaining an exclusion zone around the truck while loading/unloading will also minimise the risk of anyone being hit by a falling load.

Clear and cooperative communication between workers loading/unloading is critical to prevent accidents. You should:

• use an effective communication system between the mobile plant operator and the truck driver – e.g. hand signals may be suitable in some workplaces, two-way radios in others
• use signs, lights, alarms and the like to indicate loading/unloading is in progress
• agree to the communication procedure prior to commencing the work.

^{When the light is green the handbrake is on. When the amber light is on the forklift is operational.}

Mobile plant

The operation of forklifts, cranes and other mobile plant that are commonly used for loading/unloading operations may be categorised as a class of high risk work in the Work Health and Safety Regulation and require the operator to hold a high risk work licence.

A worker cannot be directed or allowed to carry out high risk work if they do not hold a licence for that class of work.

When mobile plant is being used for loading/unloading you:

• must ensure operators are appropriately licensed, where necessary. Check a NSW-issued licence
• must ensure workers have had suitable training, supervision and instruction to undertake the task
• must ensure tyres, windscreens, mirrors, reversing sensors and the like are well maintained
• must ensure workers use installed safety devices e.g. seatbelts
• should fit speed limiting devices, where appropriate
• should fit reversing sensors, cameras or audible warning devices
• must ensure mobile plant is appropriate for the loads and workplace
• should install active sensor systems (ultrasonic and radar) commonly used to reduce the risk of collision.

For the specific laws about high risk work licensing obligations, see Part 4.5 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025.

For the general duties of a business involving the management or control of plant, see Part 5.1 Division 7 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025.

There are also general work health and safety laws that will apply to you in any situation, including managing risks associated with mobile plant.

Loading and unloading

Before loading or unloading, make sure:

• fasteners and load restraint systems are working as intended, and are in good condition – restraint systems should prevent loads from moving
• workers don’t place themselves between the load and the truck, trailer, lifting equipment or any other pinch point
• workers don’t work on the opposite side of the trailer (other than when seated in the cab of a backstop forklift).

Incident information release

A 65-year-old driver suffered fatal injuries when struck by two steel pipes as they were being unloaded from a heavy-vehicle trailer in Moorebank.

A telehandler, operating from the opposite side of the truck, was used to unload the pipes.

Read the Transport Incident Information Release.

Read the Transport Incident Information Release.

^{Tilt tray truck involved in the incident.}