Safe Loading and Unloading Operations

1. Delivery

(1) Delivery and collection are among the most hazardous activities in transportation operations.

(2) A significant proportion of transportation-related accidents at workplaces occur during delivery activities.

(3) Loading and unloading operations should be carried out as far away as possible from public roads or sidewalks.

(4) Even when work must unavoidably be performed on public roads or sidewalks, the same occupational safety and health regulations apply. Both employers and workers must recognize this as a fundamental duty.

(5) Risks to members of the public who may be driving or walking near vehicles must be considered and included in the risk assessment.

(6) Risk control measures during delivery operations include the following:
  (a) Where possible, position vehicles so that their sides allow easy access to the work area.
  (b) Design the work area to eliminate the need for reversing.
  (c) If reversing is unavoidable, assign a trained banksman equipped with highly visible equipment to ensure safe operations.
  (d) When moving vehicles on public roads, always recognize that traffic and pedestrians have priority. Vehicle banksmen have no legal authority to control traffic. If necessary, consult with the police or road authorities and use cones or barriers.
  (e) When using forklifts, recognize the risk of overturning due to contact with curbs or road camber, and ensure operators are trained in proper driving procedures.

  (f) Drivers of articulated vehicles must understand correct parking methods both when coupled and uncoupled, and confirm proper use of parking and hand brakes.
  (g) Before each delivery or collection, provide drivers with sufficient safety information, including vehicle restrictions, one-way systems, unloading locations, and waiting procedures. Site maps should be provided whenever possible.
  (h) Establish a simple reporting system for accidents or safety issues during delivery, share information with relevant parties, and take necessary corrective actions.
  (i) Provide drivers with training on general safety measures so they can respond appropriately to unexpected situations and judge suitable actions if site safety measures are inadequate.
  (j) Train drivers and workers on how to respond if loads shift during transport.
  (k) When working on sidewalks, consider authorizing a designated on-site worker to approve unloading operations throughout the task.
  (l) Employers must grant drivers the authority to refuse or stop loading or unloading for safety reasons and inform customers of this policy.
  (m) All lifting operations must be planned, supervised, and carried out by competent persons. Lifting equipment must be clearly marked with safe working loads, properly maintained, and subject to regular inspection.
  (n) Workers must be trained on how to respond when safety measures are insufficient and be provided with contact details for responsible personnel when required.

(7) Delivery or collection must not proceed if adequate safety measures are not in place for hazardous tasks.

(8) Delivery safety measures should be reviewed before accepting orders and, where possible, agreed in advance.

(9) This helps reduce accident risks and prevents wasted time and costs caused by delivery delays or rejected loads due to inadequate site preparation.

(10) General safety rules should be shared with all parties in the supply chain, and additional safety measures should be established for specific deliveries.

(11) For regular deliveries from specific suppliers or carriers, it is advisable to involve them in pre-site assessments and develop written procedures and plans for drivers and workers.

(12) If a delivery differs from normal operations, procedures must be reviewed and revised as necessary, and work must not proceed until all parties have agreed.

1-1. Delivery Safety (Summary)

Delivery and collection tasks carry a high risk of accidents.
Loading and unloading should be performed away from roads and sidewalks whenever possible.
The same safety and health regulations apply even when work is carried out on public roads.
Risks to pedestrians and vehicles must be included in risk assessments.

Key Safety Measures

Design workflows to avoid reversing; assign banksmen if unavoidable.
Prioritize traffic and pedestrian safety during public road operations.
Follow correct driving and parking procedures for forklifts and articulated vehicles to prevent overturning.
Provide drivers with advance safety information (access routes, unloading locations, waiting procedures).
Establish immediate reporting and information-sharing systems for accidents and hazards.
Ensure drivers have the authority to refuse or stop unsafe loading or unloading operations.
Prohibit delivery or collection if adequate safety measures are not secured.

2. Loading and Unloading

(1) Loading and unloading operations can be extremely hazardous. Heavy loads, hot or cold materials, corrosive substances, moving vehicles, vehicle overturning, and work at height can all lead to serious injury or fatal accidents.

(2) Requirements for loading and unloading areas include the following:
  (a) The area must be separated from other vehicles and pedestrians.
  (b) There must be no hazardous obstructions such as overhead lines or pipes.
  (c) Floors must be level, and trailers must be parked on firm, even ground.
  (d) Where there is a risk of falls, protective measures such as fencing must be installed.
  (e) Protective measures should be provided for adverse weather conditions when necessary. Strong winds are particularly dangerous.

(3) Loads should be distributed as evenly as possible.

(4) Prevent loads from sliding sideways, and use racks where possible.

(5) Control measures for heavy loads must be considered in advance.

(6) Where there is a risk of entrapment at dock levellers or tail lifts, install safety devices such as skirt plates.

(7) Before work begins, confirm that tractor and trailer brakes are functioning properly and that all stabilization devices are in place.

(8) Vehicles must be kept in the most stable condition possible.

(9) Additional required measures include:
  (a) Use safety harnesses when necessary to protect against work at height.
  (b) Provide safe waiting areas for drivers not directly involved in the work.
  (c) Overloading is prohibited, as it reduces vehicle stability and braking performance.
  (d) Inspect floors and decks and remove unsafe conditions.
  (e) When loading, consider future unloading procedures to ensure no unstable loads remain.
  (f) When using pallets, check their condition, load placement, and securing method.
  (g) Close rear and side gates whenever possible; if protrusions are unavoidable, minimize and clearly mark them.
  (h) Establish safe procedures through prior consultation for loads that are difficult to secure.
  (i) Before unloading, check whether loads have shifted and assess risks when removing securing devices.
  (j) To prevent premature vehicle movement, apply the following controls:
    ① Use traffic light systems
    ② Apply tractor–trailer restraint devices
    ③ Retain vehicle keys or documents until the load is secured

2-1. Loading and Unloading Safety (Summary)

Loading and unloading pose a high risk of serious accidents due to heavy loads, vehicle movement, and work at height.

Work Area Requirements

Separate areas from pedestrians and other vehicles
Maintain flat and stable ground
Provide protection against falls and adverse weather

Key Safety Measures

Ensure even load distribution and prevent movement or overturning
Inspect brakes and securing devices before work
Prohibit overloading and verify pallet conditions
Check load movement and risks before unloading
Apply signaling and vehicle restraint systems to prevent early vehicle movement

3. Loading and Unloading on Slopes (Tipping)

(1) Tipping operations on slopes cause vehicle overturning accidents every year, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.

(2) Drivers of visiting vehicles must report to the site office before starting operations.

(3) Supervisors and drivers must communicate clearly, clear the area, and prepare wheel chocks.

(4) Supervisors must confirm that the tipping surface is suitable and safe.

(5) Requirements for tipping areas include:
  (a) A level surface
  (b) Adequate load-bearing capacity
  (c) No ground obstructions

(6) Additional safety measures include:
  (a) Articulated vehicles must only tip when the tractor and trailer are aligned in a straight line.
  (b) Confirm that loads are evenly distributed across the vehicle.
  (c) Vehicles must remain balanced even when moving forward.
  (d) Secure vehicles in the correct position using wheel chocks.
  (e) Check the safety condition of tailgates:
    ① Release and completely remove them before tipping
    ② Ensure locking devices are robust when using hoppers or chutes
    ③ Confirm that materials discharge smoothly without blockages
  (f) Prevent anyone from approaching the rear of the vehicle during body raising or lowering.
  (g) Drivers must remain in the cab with doors closed during body movement. The use of auxiliary (donkey) engines is not recommended.
  (h) Drivers must have sufficient experience to anticipate poor material discharge:
    ① Do not shake the vehicle to remove stuck loads; lower and re-raise the body instead
    ② Never climb onto a raised vehicle body
    ③ Workers must never climb onto raised bodies to remove residual loads, as this can lead to overturning or falls
    ④ Ensure all personnel remain at a safe distance, especially behind the vehicle
    ⑤ Immediately stop operations during strong winds, rain, or icy conditions
    ⑥ After completion, confirm the body is fully lowered, tailgates are secured, and no residual loads remain
    ⑦ Drivers must immediately report abnormalities, equipment defects, or hazards to supervisors

3-1. Tipping Safety on Slopes (Summary)

Tipping operations on slopes carry an extremely high risk of vehicle overturning.
Pre-task reporting and clear communication between supervisors and drivers are essential.

Key Safety Rules