Legal guidance on the transport of loads on vehicles

The HSE has published proposals to update its code of practice on the safety of loads on vehicles. The guidance was last updated in 1972. Since then, the Road Traffic Act 1991 introduced provisions into the Road Traffic Act 1988 making new offences applicable to the state of loads on vehicles.

It is both a legal requirement and common sense to make sure that all loads carried on vehicles are adequately secured, no matter how short the journey is. This will ensure workers are safe during unloading and that there is no likelihood of the load moving or falling off during transit, with a very real possibility of danger to the driver and other road users.

This applies to all vehicles and to all types of load. People do not always realise that when travelling along an elevated section of road, the wind speed is greater than on a normal section and the likelihood of parts of a load falling or blowing off and causing a serious incident is far greater. Loose objects or materials falling or blowing off open vehicles are at best a nuisance and at worst fatal.

This Code of Practice is not restricted only to the load being carried by the vehicle; it also covers any equipment on the vehicle such as hiabs, landing legs, tailgates etc. All of these must be stowed and secured to manufacturers instructions so as not to be a danger to pedestrians or any other road user.

In the UK every year some 4,500 successful prosecutions for unsafe loads are brought against drivers and operators; additionally many incidents involving the loss of loads or part loads go unreported.
This document is for general guidance and research purposes only, and does not purport to give professional advice. Please check the date at the top of the article; the Workplace Law Network retains historic articles for general research.