This Loading and Unloading Trucks SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled for loading and unloading freight and materials from trucks and trailers using forklifts, plant and hand. It covers 8 activities, from the pre-load check to releasing load restraints and accessing the trailer deck, with the hazards, control measures and risk ratings before and after controls for each. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Transport and freight businesses
Warehouses, depots and distribution centres
Building and landscape supply yards
Truck drivers and owner-operators
Plant and equipment hire businesses
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Plenty of transport and warehousing businesses use one as the written risk assessment for a task, the same way others use a JSA or Safe Work Procedure.
Use it to
Show clients, insurers and auditors how you manage the risks
Apply for tenders, contracts and supplier panels
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct new workers and train them in the task
What this SWMS covers
Information on new or changing hazards in other work areas
Pre-load and unload checks to prevent crush injuries around the truck
Forklift impact and crush injuries during loading
Excavators striking other plant or people on site
Falling objects, manual handling, slips and trips
Releasing load restraints and opening gates or curtains when loads have shifted
Getting onto the tray, trailer deck or load, including falls while tarping or strapping
Fuel and hydraulic oil spills, broken pallets and contaminated stormwater
Post-work checks for loose straps, debris and unsafely parked plant
Emergency response to crush injuries, vehicle strikes, fire or spills
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 8 work activities
Risk ratings before and after controls, with a 5x5 risk matrix and the hierarchy of controls
PPE requirements checklist and high risk construction work checklist
Plant and equipment list, including trucks, forklifts, straps, chains and load restraint equipment
Pre-start checks for forklifts, load restraints and vehicle loading cranes where fitted, plus forklift licence requirements
Site specific hazards section for anything unique to your job
Worker sign-off sheet and worker consultation record
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing a SWMS from a blank page
Covers the most common hazards and control measures for this work, ready to use out of the box
Fully editable, so you can add, remove or change anything to suit your site and how your team works
Helps your business stay compliant, with risk ratings, worker sign-off and consultation records already set up
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, ABN, project and site details.
Check it suits your site and task, edit anything you need to, and consult your workers before you finalise it.
Brief your team and collect signatures.
Common questions
Do I need a SWMS for loading and unloading trucks?
Only when the work is high risk construction work, for example unloading on a construction site where powered mobile plant is moving, or next to a road in use. At a depot or warehouse a SWMS isn't mandatory. You still have to manage risks like shifting loads and falls from the deck, and a SWMS is a sound way to record how. Clients and prequalification portals often ask for one.
Does it cover falls from the truck deck?
Yes. It covers falls from the tray, deck or top of the load, falls while tarping, strapping or checking restraints, and slips on a wet, oily or icy deck.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any hazard, control or rating, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
