The DVSA has recently updated load security guidance with updates based on risk assessment guidance and the importance of risk assessment regarding all load and unload operations.

We are going to take a closer look at the two updates listed below and the impact this could have on hauliers and their staff.

  • The new section on the importance of risk assessments to help manage the issues facing those involved in securing loads
  • Clarification on covering loose loads and how a risk assessment can be used to inform this decision

So, what is a risk assessment?

The Oxford Dictionary definition is: “A systemic process of evaluating the potential risks that may be involved in a projected activity or undertaking”

The HSE’s three cornerstones to risk assessment could be laid out as:

  • Identify what could cause injury or illness in your business (hazards)
  • Decide how likely it is that someone could be harmed and how seriously (the risk)
  • Take action to eliminate the hazard, or if this isn’t possible, control the risk

When a risk assessment is carried out correctly, all three of the above should be dealt with, then feedback given to all concerned and measures put in place where hazards have been identified.

As a company you have an obligation to ensure risk assessments are carried out, failure to do so can have serious consequences for the people who are responsible for health and safety in the workplace.

What are your obligations as an employer?

Unfortunately, people get seriously injured and killed in workplace incidents involving load falls and the load and unload operation. If this was the case in your organisation the HSE would ask the following questions:

Was a thorough risk assessment carried out for the work task?

Were hazards identified?

If so, how were they dealt with?

Did you create a safe system of work (SSW) as a result of the risk assessment findings?

Were the findings of the risk assessment communicated to the staff involved?

Did you train your employees and log the training?

The importance of training

Training plays a massive part in safety at work and can also increase productivity and save time in absence and in the worst case could save you a court appearance!

So, how will all this work? The starting point would be carrying out a risk assessment on the work task (load and unload). This would involve everyone involved in the transport chain from salespeople to the warehouse operatives, managers, supervisors, suppliers and drivers.

Assuming we have the correct cargo transport unit (CTU) we would look at maximum weights per axle and GVW as weight distribution is an important factor. Then comes the freight, size, shape, fragile, frozen, ambient, construction materials etc as we now must decide on the correct method of security. When all these questions (and more) are answered we can the look at the potential for harm to the people involved in the process and build a SSW around the findings of the risk assessment.

As soon as the risk assessment has been completed and all parties have had sight of the document, then training can begin.
Training should be given to anyone carrying out the task of load and unload, the training should comprise of both theory and the practical (in the yard) elements. It should include real scenarios and real situations that both loaders and drivers would be faced with. When all parties are happy and understand the SSW at this point, the training should be signed off and logged.

Covering a Load

Covering a load should only be used to contain a product.
Using a cover can stop items from bouncing out of a vehicle or loose loads, such as sand, from being blown from a vehicle.
The cover you choose must be suitable for the load type. Depending on your load this could be a:

  • tarpaulin
  • sheeting
  • net

Using a cover does not provide sufficient restraint and must only be used with other load securing measures such as lashings. Using a cover is mainly for weather protection not load retention!

All the above is good advice for waste carriers (open skips) builders and hauliers using flatbed uncovered vehicles and trailers.
Before covering a load, it has to be sufficiently secured and the definition of this is:

Whatever securing devices are being used, they must be able to withstand 100% of the weight of the load forwards, 50% laterally and 50% of the weight of the load rearwards.

We need to know the weight of the freight in order to select the correct securing method and devices which takes us back to carrying out a thorough risk assessment prior to any load and unload operations.

What are the next steps?

Hopefully this insight has given you a taste of what the employer should be doing to ensure the safety of their employees and the general public, remember, this is not a nice to have, it is expected.

If you would like to know more, why not give us a call to discuss how we can help your organisation remain compliant? Let’s be proactive, not reactive!

Have a safe day!