The transport industry has a high rate of injuries from workers falling from trucks and trailers. The risks of these falls are commonly associated with the design of a vehicle, the equipment used and work practices and behaviours.

Accessing the tray of vehicles or the top of plant and equipment must be treated as any other work at height activity.

Eliminating the need for workers to access the bed of a truck is the priority. This can be achieved by:

• Using suitable equipment for loading and unloading
• Pre-configure the load to suit the equipment used
• Pre-slinging loads where possible
• Using load restraints that can be access from the ground or aids such as lead ropes or a reach pole

If elimination is not possible, there must be a safe means of accessing the work area, this could include

• Guardrails or work platforms
• Work positioning systems such as travel restraints
• Retractable ladders or steps with handrails

Fall arrest systems can only be used where a more effective control is not practical and must be suitable for the height being worked at.  An example of a fall arrest system not being suitable for the height being worked at would be where there is a 2.5m fall and the worker is wearing a 2m lanyard with a 1.75m shock absorber.

Edge protection systems for mobile plant and equipment are to be installed if access is required.

SafeWork NSW developed a video safety alert to address the high-risk activity of loading and unloading trucks and trailers.  It can be viewed here.