Loading and Unloading Operations

Learn about safe loading and unloading on vehicles. Understand your roles and responsibilities, and play your part in keeping your workplace safe.

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Loading and Unloading Hazards
Safe Loading and Unloading
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Loading and Unloading Hazards

Loading and unloading operations are common in industries such as logistics and transport. To prevent injuries among workers carrying out these operations, proper securing and safe loading and unloading practices are crucial.

Some common hazards related to loading and unloading from vehicles include:

Toppling of improperly stacked or secured cargo;
Breaking or failure of lashing and dunnage equipment;
Unsafe access to and egress from the lorry or trailer bed; and
Falling off the loading platform.

Safe Loading and Unloading

In general, loading and unloading operations should be carried out at designated areas as much as possible. All personnel involved must adhere to work instructions given by the person in charge of the operation.

Refer to the table below for some examples of good practices:

Task	Examples of good practices
Parking	Park on firm and level ground. Ensure parking brakes are fully engaged. Extend all stabilisers fully. Put on wheel chocks.
Loading	Don't overload the vehicle. Stack lighter loads on top of heavier loads. Spread the loads out evenly for balanced weight distribution. Secure and lash the loads properly. Ensure that the stacking arrangement is stable.
Unloading	Ensure that the loads have not shifted during transportation before unloading. Ensure that all equipment used for unloading are in good working condition. Perform unloading on flat and firm ground.

Employer's Role

You should:

Provide the right vehicle for the job.
Provide the necessary resources for the operation (e.g. lashing/securing devices, PPE).
Ensure that risk assessments are conducted for all loading and unloading operations.
Ensure that competent personnel are appointed to carry out the operation.
Give clear instructions to drivers for each operation.

Employee's Role

As a driver, you should:

Check that the vehicle and equipment are in good condition and able to perform the intended task (e.g. check lashings for damage before use).
Follow all safe operating instructions and procedures.
Ensure that the cargo is properly loaded on the vehicle.
Carry out loading and unloading at designated areas (e.g. loading and unloading bay).
Take necessary precautions to prevent the vehicle from moving during loading and unloading.
Not leave the loading site without checking stowage and securing.
Report any unsafe condition, loading/unloading issue, incident or near miss to your supervisor.