LANDSCAPE ONTARIO – WORKPLACE SAFETY TAILGATE TALKS
© 2026, WSPS.CA 127
TRUCKS AND TRAILERS – LOAD SECURITY
Equipment Hazards
?
What would you do if...? A tractor fell through the floor boards
of the trailer because they were not strong enough for the
weight load.
!
It is important to take the time to secure all loads and ensure
the truck or trailer is able to support the load it is carrying.
Ensuring equipment and tools are safely secured can reduce
the risk of injuries and incidents due to shifted equipment
and falling objects.
Prevention Points
It is required under the Highway Traffic Act to secure loads to
prevent anything from falling onto the roadway. Shifting loads
and equipment may also cause the vehicle or trailer to become
unstable and may lead to a potential incident. Consider everything
you will be hauling to a jobsite and plan the best way to load
equipment, secure all items and unload in a safe manner.
Ensure the truck or trailer is secure from movement. Use chocks
or blocks behind rear wheels.
Make sure the weight of the load is properly distributed and
secured with visible working weight load demarcations and
tags on straps and chains.
Secure all small tools, equipment and materials with chains or
tie-down straps with visible weight load demarcations and tags.
Use proper lifting techniques when loading and unloading items
from the trailer (see Material Handling – Manual).
Perform a safety check and recheck of the truck and trailer each
time you stop before departing.
