Truck Loading Unloading and General Load Restraint SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers planning, loading, securing, transporting and unloading truck loads, including general load restraint activities. It supports identifying hazards, organising work zones and managing load movement throughout the task.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan the loading or unloading task and confirm load information
• Establish and control the loading zone
• Position and immobilise the truck before work begins
• Inspect plant, anchor points and restraint equipment
• Assess load distribution and vehicle loading limits
• Load flat-bed vehicles while managing suspended and falling materials
• Secure loads using suitable restraints
• Operate ratchet straps while managing stored energy
• Verify the vehicle and load are ready for transport
• Recheck loads during travel and prepare for unloading
• Release restraints and unload in a controlled sequence
• Address defects or overloads, then clean up and sign off

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out truck loading, unloading and load restraint activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

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

• Model WHS Regulations rr 34-38: identify hazards; apply, maintain and review controls using the hierarchy of control measures.
• Model WHS Regulations rr 214-215: manage powered mobile plant risks including collision, overturning, falling objects, ejection and pressurised-fluid failure.
• Model WHS Regulations r 219: plant used to lift or suspend loads must be specifically designed for that purpose.
• Model WHS Regulations rr 54-55: manage risks from falling objects.
• Model WHS Regulations r 60: manage risks of musculoskeletal disorders associated with hazardous manual tasks.
• Model WHS Regulations r 299: SWMS required where the activity is high risk construction work, including powered mobile plant movement with a risk to persons.
• Safe Work Australia, Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice (2021).
• Safe Work Australia, Moving Plant on Construction Sites Code of Practice: separate loading zones, assess travel paths and prohibit work under suspended loads.
• Safe Work Australia, Managing Risks in Stevedoring Code of Practice: traffic plans, driver safety zones, marked loading areas and pedestrian separation.
• NHVR National Load Restraint Guide; AS/NZS 4380 Cargo restraint systems; AS 2359 Powered industrial trucks; AS 2550 Cranes, hoists and winches.

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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