Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the high-risk work activities, hazards and step-by-step control measures for safe load restraint on light vehicles, trailers and utes. It is a comprehensive document covering multiple aspects of load preparation, securing, transport and unloading to support strong WHS compliance and reduced risk of load shift incidents.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Selection and inspection of vehicles, trailers and utes for suitability and load capacity
• Assessment of load weight, centre of gravity and distribution prior to loading
• Safe loading techniques to prevent overloading, uneven loading and obstruction of visibility
• Securing loads with rope, including correct knot-tying methods and tensioning to prevent load movement
• Use of load restraint equipment such as ratchet straps, chains, cargo nets and tarpaulins
• Protection of loads and restraint equipment from sharp edges, abrasion and weather damage
• Verification of load restraint effectiveness before departure and at regular intervals during transport
• Managing high-risk loads such as loose materials, tall items, liquids, gas cylinders and equipment with moving parts
• Safe access to trays and trailers, including use of steps, platforms and fall-prevention controls
• Traffic management and vehicle positioning during loading and unloading activities
• Manual handling risk controls when lifting, pushing, pulling or stabilising loads
• Emergency procedures for load shift, load loss, equipment failure or road incidents
• Training, competency and supervision requirements for workers securing and transporting loads

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for trades and industries using light vehicles, trailers and utes to transport equipment or materials, including construction and maintenance contractors, landscapers, civil and infrastructure crews, delivery drivers, hire companies and site supervisors responsible for mobile operations.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Load Restraint Guide (National Transport Commission): Guidance on safe restraint of loads on light and heavy vehicles
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace: Controls for plant and equipment carried on vehicles and trailers
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks: Requirements for reducing manual handling risks during loading and unloading
• Code of Practice: Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination: Duties for consultation on load restraint procedures
• AS/NZS 4380: Cargo Restraint Systems – Transport Webbing and Components: Requirements for webbing straps and associated hardware
• AS/NZS 4381: Cargo Restraint Systems – Transport Chain and Components: Requirements for chains and tensioners used for load restraint
• AS/NZS 4008: High Tensile Steel Chains for Load Restraint: Performance and selection criteria for high tensile chains
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017