Product Overview

Summary: This Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step‑by‑step framework for safely securing loads on vehicles in line with Australian load restraint requirements. It helps businesses minimise load shift, prevent road incidents, and demonstrate due diligence under WHS and Chain of Responsibility laws.

Securing loads correctly on vehicles is critical to preventing rollovers, load loss, and serious injuries on Australian roads and worksites. This Load Securing on Vehicles SOP sets out a practical, repeatable process for assessing loads, selecting the right restraint equipment, and verifying that every load is secured to withstand normal driving forces, emergency braking, and evasive manoeuvres.

The procedure is designed for businesses that move goods by road—whether that’s pallets on utes, construction materials on flatbeds, or mixed freight on heavy vehicles. It translates complex WHS and Chain of Responsibility obligations into clear instructions that drivers, loaders and supervisors can follow. By implementing this SOP, organisations can reduce incident rates, protect workers and the public, and provide evidence of systematic risk management in the event of a regulator enquiry or insurance investigation.

Key Benefits

• Ensure compliance with Australian load restraint requirements and Chain of Responsibility duties.
• Reduce the risk of load shifts, vehicle rollovers and load loss incidents on public roads and worksites.
• Standardise loading and securing practices across drivers, shifts and depots for consistent safety outcomes.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and insurers through documented, repeatable procedures.
• Improve operational efficiency by reducing delays, rework and damage caused by poorly secured loads.

Who is this for?

• Truck Drivers
• Delivery Drivers
• Fleet Managers
• Logistics and Transport Coordinators
• Warehouse Supervisors
• Loading Dock Personnel
• Forklift Operators
• Site Supervisors
• WHS Managers
• Operations Managers in Transport and Logistics

Hazards Addressed

• Load shift leading to vehicle instability or rollover
• Loads falling from vehicles and striking workers or other road users
• Crush injuries during loading, securing and unloading activities
• Musculoskeletal injuries from incorrect manual handling of restraints and dunnage
• Failure of tie-down equipment such as straps, chains and tensioners
• Struck-by injuries from snapping straps, chains or tensioning devices
• Pinch and entanglement injuries when applying or releasing restraints
• Property damage to vehicles, infrastructure and customer goods due to unsecured loads

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (e.g. load restraint, tie-down, direct restraint, dunnage)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Drivers, Loaders, Supervisors, WHS Personnel)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Guidance
• 5.0 Required Competencies and Training
• 6.0 Pre-Operation Checks on Vehicle and Restraint Equipment
• 7.0 Load Assessment (Weight, Centre of Gravity, Shape, Fragility and Stability)
• 8.0 Selection of Load Restraint Methods and Equipment
• 9.0 Step-by-Step Load Securing Procedure
• 10.0 Securing Different Load Types (Palletised, Loose, Oversize, Pipes, Machinery, Bulk Items)
• 11.0 Use of Restraint Equipment (Straps, Chains, Dogs, Turnbuckles, Edge Protectors, Nets, Tarps)
• 12.0 Verification and Inspection of Secured Loads (Pre-departure and En‑route Checks)
• 13.0 Unloading and Safe Release of Restraints
• 14.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Controls for Load Securing Tasks
• 15.0 Manual Handling and Ergonomic Considerations
• 16.0 Managing Adverse Weather and Road Conditions
• 17.0 Incident, Near Miss and Equipment Failure Reporting
• 18.0 Recordkeeping and Audit Requirements
• 19.0 Review, Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• National Transport Commission (NTC) – Load Restraint Guide (current edition)
• Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) – Chain of Responsibility provisions (where applicable)
• Model Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations (as implemented in each state/territory)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks
• AS/NZS 4380: Cargo restraint systems – Transport webbing and components
• AS/NZS 4344: Cargo restraint systems – Transport chains and components
• AS/NZS 4801 / ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems