Load Restraint Light Vehicles Trailers and Utes SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers load restraint for light vehicles, trailers and utes, including planning, loading, securing, travel inspections and unloading. It supports work planning and risk management for vehicle and trailer stability, load movement, restraint failure, manual handling and roadside hazards.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan load transport and prepare the loading area
• Inspect the vehicle, trailer and restraint anchor points
• Couple the trailer and assess the load configuration
• Load items onto the vehicle or trailer
• Secure loads using straps or rope
• Complete a departure inspection before travel
• Inspect the load during travel for movement or restraint issues
• Unload the restrained load, pack up and report defects

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses transporting restrained loads using light vehicles, trailers and utes.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations.
• Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks — guidance on hazard identification, hierarchy of controls, maintenance and review of controls.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the risks of plant in the workplace — guidance on inspection, suitability, manufacturer information and safe use of plant.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities — guidance on safe access, lighting, workplace layout and maintaining work areas in a safe condition.
• National Transport Commission, Load Restraint Guide — guidance for safe carriage and restraint of loads on road vehicles.
• AS/NZS 4380, Load restraint assemblies for use on light vehicles — guidance for selection, use and marking of load restraint assemblies.
• AS 4177 series, Caravans and light trailers — guidance for trailer towing components, couplings and safety chains.
• Relevant road-transport, heavy-vehicle and road-rule requirements applying in the state or territory of travel.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections