Product Overview

The Load Restraint Procedure is a comprehensive, ready-to-use work health and safety document designed specifically for Australian transport, logistics, warehousing, manufacturing and construction operations. It provides clear, practical guidance on how to plan, load, secure, transport and unload goods safely, in line with the Load Restraint Guide, Heavy Vehicle National Law and WHS legislation.

Developed by WHS specialists, this procedure helps organisations control the significant risks associated with shifting loads, falling objects and vehicle instability. It sets out detailed responsibilities for managers, drivers, loaders and subcontractors, and integrates Chain of Responsibility requirements so that every party in the supply chain understands their obligations.

Key Features

• Step-by-step procedures for safe loading, securing, in-transit checks and unloading.
• Detailed guidance on selecting and using chains, webbing straps, load binders, dunnage, pallets and stillages.
• Sector-specific considerations for palletised freight, steel and timber packs, machinery, prefabricated components and loose bulk materials.
• Clear performance requirements aligned with the National Load Restraint Guide and relevant Australian Standards.
• Built-in checklists for risk assessment, equipment inspection, pre-departure and in-transit inspections.
• Coverage of high-risk and special loads, including oversize, overmass, dangerous goods and fragile loads.
• Structured to integrate easily into existing WHS management systems and safety documentation.

Benefits

• Strengthen WHS compliance: Aligns your operations with Australian work health and safety legislation, Heavy Vehicle National Law and Chain of Responsibility obligations.
• Reduce incidents and downtime: Helps prevent load shifts, rollovers, falling objects and associated injuries, property damage and delays.
• Save time on documentation: A fully developed procedure that can be quickly tailored to your business, avoiding the need to start from scratch.
• Improve consistency: Ensures drivers, loaders and supervisors follow the same safe system of work across depots, sites and projects.
• Support training and induction: Provides a clear reference for toolbox talks, driver inductions and refresher training on safe load restraint.

Who is this for?

• Transport and logistics operators managing linehaul, local delivery or contract fleets.
• Warehousing and distribution centres with regular loading dock and cross-docking activities.
• Manufacturing and production facilities dispatching finished goods or receiving raw materials.
• Building and construction companies transporting plant, structural steel, prefabricated panels and materials to site.
• Safety managers, operations managers, fleet managers and compliance staff responsible for WHS compliance and Chain of Responsibility.

Legislation & References

This Load Restraint Procedure is structured to support compliance with key Australian requirements, including WHS Acts and Regulations, the Heavy Vehicle National Law, the National Transport Commission Load Restraint Guide and relevant Australian Standards for cargo restraint systems. It provides a strong, defensible foundation for your safety documentation and demonstrates due diligence in managing load restraint risks across your operations.