Failure to properly secure a load can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities, putting not only the driver but also other road users, pedestrians, and workers at risk. A poorly secured load may shift during transit, affecting vehicle stability, increasing the risk of rollover, and becoming a hazard during unloading.
Risks of Poor Load Securing
- Loads may shift during braking or cornering, affecting vehicle handling
- Unstable loads can fall out when the vehicle is opened, endangering those unloading
- Even without injuries, damage to the load and vehicle can be costly
Who is Responsible
Both drivers and those loading vehicles must ensure that the load remains secure and stable throughout the journey.
- Risk Assessment: Loading and unloading should always be subject to a risk assessment and carried out by trained personnel
- Proper Equipment: Use suitable vehicles and securing equipment. Don't rely solely on the load’s weight to keep it stable
Load Securing Equipment
The right securing equipment depends on the type of load. Options include:
- Clamps, chains, steel wire ropes, webbing harnesses, nets, storing bars, and special bolts
All securing tools must be regularly inspected for wear and damage, especially items like webbing and ropes that are subject to wear from frequent use.
30-Second Safety Reminders
- Check the Load: Ensure the vehicle can handle the weight, size, and type of the load
- Handling Impact: Remember that load size and weight will affect vehicle handling
- Regular Inspections: Always check the load before setting off and at regular intervals during the journey
- Safety Procedures: Have clear safety procedures in place for loading and unloading
Don’ts
- Don’t overload the vehicle or its axles
- Don’t position loads too far back, as this reduces weight on the steered axles
- Never move the vehicle until the load is fully secured
- Avoid climbing onto the vehicle or load without proper safety measures
Legal Responsibilities
The Road Traffic Act (1991) makes it clear that using a vehicle with an unsafe load is illegal. The Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) and Workplace Regulations (1992) further reinforce the need for safe loading and unloading processes.
Load Securing Guidelines
- Pre-Check the Vehicle: Ensure that the load platform, bodywork, and anchorage points are in good condition
- Low Centre of Gravity: Keep the centre of gravity low by placing heavier items near the bottom and centre of the vehicle
- Distribute Weight Evenly: Use pallets or boards to evenly spread the weight across the vehicle platform, especially with smaller, heavier loads
- Tie it Down: Use anchorage points attached to the chassis to secure loads, not rope hooks. Place loads in contact with the headboard where possible, or fill gaps with empty pallets to prevent sliding
The Cost of Failure
Each year, around 4,000 successful prosecutions are made for unsafe loads, with penalties including fines up to £5,000, three penalty points, and potential disqualification. Apart from safety risks, the financial and operational costs of improperly securing a load are significant.
Conclusion
Ensuring that loads are properly secured not only helps to prevent accidents but also avoids expensive damage to both loads and vehicles. It's a simple yet essential step that can save lives and reduce liability.
Disclaimer
This information has been gathered from sources including GOV.UK and RoSPA. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Quicktemp and its affiliates accept no liability for any errors or omissions.
