Understanding the Risks: Traumatic Injuries and Musculoskeletal Disorders

As a worker responsible for securing loads on trucks, you play a pivotal role in maintaining both load safety and your personal well-being. Recognizing the potential risks is crucial, especially when dealing with specific tools and tasks that can lead to traumatic injuries and musculoskeletal disorders.

Specific Hazards: Tools and Tasks

Identifying High-Risk Elements

Certain tools and tasks significantly amplify the risks associated with loading and unloading trucks. Understanding these elements is the first step in safeguarding yourself against potential accidents and injuries.

• Handling Gates
  • Lifting and carrying gates may lead to forceful exertions, resulting in musculoskeletal injuries.
  • Mitigate risks by using load-bearing curtains and employing gates that lock into the vehicle securely.
• Handling Curtains
  • Moving side curtains by walking backward poses a slip, trip, or fall hazard.
  • Minimize risks by opting for automatic curtains and ensuring smooth movement during opening and closing.
• Lashings and Corner Protectors
  • Placing lashings over loads often requires awkward postures, risking musculoskeletal injuries.
  • Reduce risks by using systems that eliminate the need for lashings and employing elevated work platforms for application.
• Tensioning Chains and Webbing
  • Over-tightening chains using fixed lever load binders can result in injuries from the winch bar.
  • Mitigate risks by considering alternatives such as webbing straps, avoiding certain tensioning tools, and exploring non-rebounding tensioners.
    
    

Controlling Risks: Practical Measures

Taking Action for Your Safety

The risks associated with handling gates, curtains, lashings, and tensioning tools are not just inherent; they can be managed effectively. Employ practical measures to eliminate or minimize these risks, ensuring a safer working environment for yourself.

• Handling Gates
  • Eliminate the need for gates by utilizing approved load-bearing curtains.
  • When removal is necessary, place gates on a solid platform of similar height to the truck tray.
• Handling Curtains
  • Eliminate risks by using automatic curtains that are self-opening and closing.
  • Ensure smooth curtain movement to prevent tripping hazards.
• Lashings and Corner Protectors
  • Eliminate risks by adopting load securing systems that don't require manual lashings.
  • Reduce risks further by using elevated work platforms and lightweight extension poles for applying lashings.
• Tensioning Chains and Webbing
  • Eliminate the need for chains by using custom-designed trucks for specific loads.
  • When chains are necessary, reduce risks by opting for webbing straps and considering non-rebounding tensioners.
    
    

Your Future Safety Matters

By implementing these safety measures, you're not just avoiding immediate risks; you're also building a foundation for potential compensation claims in case of unfortunate incidents. Prioritize your safety and secure your future well-being.

For more detailed information, refer to the Worksafe Victoria Guidance Note.