Forest Operations > Operational Hazards > Load Security

Load Security

Secure control of loads on work vehicles and trucks is important in preventing accidents and injury to people.

The responsibility for making sure a load is properly secured is mainly with the driver of the vehicle; but penalties can also apply to the person who loaded the vehicle and anyone who accepts delivery of the product which is incorrectly loaded.

Correctly securing loads helps prevent:

• The load sliding forward into the truck cabin;
• The load falling onto other vehicles or pedestrians;
• Motorists swerving to avoid fallen items;
• Vehicles overturning because of the load shifting while cornering or changing lanes.

Fig 23a Securing a load.

Fig 23b Log truck driver tightening binder on load.

The Driver shall:

• As far as possible, control the loading process and make sure that the weight and size of the load are within legal limits.
• Choose the safest location for securing the load
• Secure the load using the correct type and number of straps, chains or bindings.
• Make sure that every log is restrained or secured by an approved securing device
• Ensure securing devices are tightened with a tensioning device or winch
• Ensure a spare securing device is available at all times
• After the load is secured remove all protruding limbs and loose bark and any other material.
• Loads should be checked at least once on route to the mill to make sure it has not shifted.

Self Help Activity 11, Noise & Vibration

Download the activity by clicking the icon above. When completed please submit via the LMS or directly to your trainer.

Self Help Activity 12, Load Security

Download the activity by clicking the icon above. When completed please submit via the LMS or directly to your trainer.