Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the step-by-step safety controls for loading and unloading trucks and loading dock operations to help you manage risks and meet your legal duties. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of Loading Unloading Trucks and Loading Dock Safety SWMS, providing end-to-end controls for vehicles, loads, equipment, and pedestrian safety to support strong WHS compliance.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and coordinating loading and unloading activities at third party sites, depots, and customer premises
• Safe loading and unloading of delivery trucks, including rigid, semi-trailers, and flat-bed vehicles
• Managing loading and unloading of materials at worksites, including construction, industrial, and commercial locations
• Safe handling, stacking, and restraint of timber and similar long or bulky products during loading and unloading
• Loading and unloading of company and subcontractor vehicles, including utes, vans, and light trucks
• Safe use and operation of loading docks, dock levellers, dock plates, and dock edges
• Special controls for loading and unloading refrigerated goods, including temperature-sensitive products and cold store docks
• Implementing loading and unloading safety procedures to separate pedestrians and mobile plant and prevent crush or impact injuries
• Operating documented loading and unloading procedures, including pre-start checks, communication, and sign-off
• Organising and managing flat-bed transport, including load configuration, tie-down points, and load restraint methods
• Safe deployment, use, and storage of ramps for vehicle and equipment loading and unloading
• Unloading of lorries at warehouses, distribution centres, and onsite delivery points
• Selection and use of load restraint equipment such as straps, chains, edge protectors, and curtains
• Use of forklifts, pallet jacks, and other mechanical aids in and around loading docks and truck bodies
• Traffic management around loading zones, including exclusion zones, spotters, and reversing controls

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for transport and logistics operators, warehouse and distribution centres, construction and trade businesses, freight companies, and site supervisors responsible for truck loading, unloading, and loading dock safety.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – guidance on controlling risks from vehicles, forklifts, and loading equipment
• Code of Practice: Traffic Management in Workplaces (where adopted or referenced by regulators) – separation of vehicles and pedestrians in loading and unloading areas
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – controls for manual handling during loading and unloading activities
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Falls at Workplaces – managing fall risks when accessing truck trays, trailers, and loading docks
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace – where chemicals or dangerous goods are included in loads
• AS/NZS 4801 Occupational health and safety management systems – principles for systematic WHS management (noting it may be superseded but still commonly referenced)
• AS 2359 Powered industrial trucks – safe use of forklifts and similar equipment in loading and unloading operations
• AS/NZS 4991 Lifting devices – requirements for lifting attachments where used in loading operations
• Load Restraint Guide (National Transport Commission) – best practice for securing loads on heavy and light vehicles in Australia
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017