Loading Unloading Trucks and Loading Dock Safety Risk Assessment

Product Overview

This risk assessment covers loading and unloading trucks at loading docks, from planning and vehicle positioning through to departure. It supports planning and risk management by addressing vehicle, plant, pedestrian, load, surface and emergency hazards.

Activities & Risks Covered

This assessment addresses activities and risks including:

• Plan dock allocation, vehicle movements and site communication
• Manage truck arrival, reversing and positioning
• Secure vehicles and establish driver safe zones
• Coordinate forklift and powered mobile plant movements
• Load and unload goods while managing unstable or shifting loads
• Manage dock edges, trailer gaps, ramps and dock plates
• Carry out manual handling and hand-unloading tasks
• Control pedestrians, visitors and communication in active areas
• Assess weather, lighting and surface conditions
• Complete departure checks and prepare for incidents or emergencies

Who is this for?

Suitable for drivers, contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out truck loading or unloading activities.

Activities & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template records model guidance used to inform the documented controls. Applicable WHS/OHS laws and adopted Codes vary by state or territory, so confirm the current local requirements when tailoring the assessment:

• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Hazardous manual tasks — 4.1 The hierarchy of control measures; p. 31.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace — Plant hazard identification — Traffic movements in the workplace; p. 17.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities — 2. The work environment; p. 13.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of falls at workplaces — 3.2 Identifying the hazards; p. 16.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace — 3. First aid equipment, facilities and training; p. 12.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of fatigue at work — Provide sufficient breaks while at work; p. 30.

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Standard Risk Assessment Features (Click to Expand)

• Activity-specific hazard identification and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each activity
• Risk matrix and assessment classification
• Review, monitoring and sign-off fields
• Site-specific customisation before use