Load Restraints

A proper load restraint system is one of the most important aspects of road safety while transporting heavy goods. Without proper load restraint systems, other drivers and pedestrians are at risk of serious injury.

It is an offence in Australia to carry a heavy load without a certified, secured load restraint in place.

There is a lot of information on the subject, but all official government advice centres around the five, general principles of load restraint. These principles are legally enforced and anyone found not abiding by them faces prosecution.

Load Restraints

The five general principles of load restraint systems are:

  • Driving a suitable vehicle. The vehicle you use to carry the load should have the sufficient weight capacity to avoid accidents and injuries.
  • Load position. All loads should be correctly positioned within any moving vehicle or machine to prevent the load tipping, falling and causing an accident. Different heavy goods should be stored and positioned in different ways – if in doubt, consult one of our All About Lifting & Safety experts.
  • Use a good load restraint. You are also required to use a suitable physical restraint to keep the load in place while moving it. The specific load restraint you should use depends on what you’re transporting.
  • Drive with consideration. While carrying any heavy load, to ensure the load restraint system works, you should drive slowly and carefully. Reckless driving could threaten the load restraint system and cause an accident.

If you have a lifting or safety equipment need not listed, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us.

We are ready and able to answer all of your questions.