Issue Date:  -  Friday, 21 May 2004

Reminder on loading and securing of loads

A work-related fatality last week has prompted a reminder from WorkSafe on the loading of trucks and the securing of loads.

A 28-year-old man was killed last Thursday at Muntadgin when he was struck by an 860kg hay bale that fell from the back of a truck he had just finished loading.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today that the incident served as a reminder that correct loading and adequate securing of loads was absolutely crucial in the workplace.

“Both drivers and workers who load vehicles have an obligation to be aware of their respective responsibilities in the safe and secure loading of a vehicle,” Ms Lyhne said.

“Employees are responsible for ensuring the correct loading of a vehicle, and the driver assumes the responsibility under the Road Traffic Regulations as soon as they enter onto a public road.

“Under WA’s occupational safety and health legislation, an employer must provide information, instruction, training and supervision to employees in respect to load restraint.”

Load restraint came under the spotlight late last year when a member of the public was fatally injured when two five-tonne steel coils fell from a moving truck into the path of her vehicle.  The coils were not correctly tethered to the truck.

A booklet called The Load Restraints Guide, developed by the Federal Office of Road Safety and the National Road Transport Commission, provides guidance and technical advice on how to restrain loads of various weights and sizes.

Copies of the booklet are available from Main Roads Western Australia, and it is recommended that all relevant workplaces have a copy.

“I urge employers in any workplace in which trucks are loaded to ensure they are familiar with all the applicable legislation and guidance material,” Ms Lyhne said.

“The fatalities and other serious incidents we have seen in recent years highlight that the consequences of incorrectly loading and restraining heavy items can be absolutely tragic.”

Further information on loading and securing loads can obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777 or on the website at www.safetyline.wa.gov.au.