Page 97 - FTL Driver Training Manual

F R E I G H T T R A N S P O R T L T D ( F T L ) D R I V E R T R A I N I N G M A N U A L V E R S I O N 2

bed. Always use the fitted access ladder
using three points of contact and never
jump down.

Musculoskeletal injuries (MSDs) These
injuries are associated with personnel when
they undertake tasks such as manual
handling. Opening curtains, fitting slats and
retrieving fallen boxes are all examples of
possible causes of musculoskeletal injuries.
Furthermore, MSDs are the most common
cause of work-related injury. Appendix B
gives a detailed description of the
ergonomic issues that were observed
during a site visit to a typical haulage site.

35.4 Loading Best Practice

Loads should be secured so that they do not move relative to the trailer bed during
transport.
Load restraint is not the same as load containment. Some loads may require a
combination of both.
Loads should be placed against the trailer headboard if possible. If this is not
possible for reasons of weight distribution, the gap to the headboard should be filled
or an intermediate bulkhead could be used.
The curtains and the weather-protection structure of a curtain-sided vehicle are
generally not suitable for load securing.
Friction alone should not be relied on as a method of load securing.
Over strapping the load was identified as the least-risk method for load restraint,
however it would not be suitable for all types of load. There is no ‘one size fits all’
solution to securing a load safely.
There are costs involved in securing a load, both in terms of equipment and
additional time, however against this must be set the costs of the potential
consequences of load shift, such as product damage, vehicle damage, delays,
death or injury, and prosecution in the event of an accident.
Communication between all parties involved in the loading, transport and unloading
may help to avoid or ameliorate problems surrounding load securing.
Risk assessment and a loading plan prepared by someone competent
to do so is the key to good load security. This does not have to be an
onerous process but ‘thinking through’ the operation in advance may
identify potential issues before they become a problem.

Do not rely on friction alone to secure your load. Use the straps provided and please
ask if you require additional securing equipment before you collect your load.

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