In Feb 2020 a worker was fatally injured during unloading stone slabs from a shipping container. Two months later, a different company, same task and same outcome, another fatality. WorkSafe Victoria have given some practical guidance on unloading containers. This is state of knowledge now and anyone unloading containers should be checking their operations against this list.
To manage risks when unloading containers:
- Consult with the supplier on the best shipping configuration for ease and safety of unloading.
- Have a system of work for safe unloading that includes assessing if the load can be safely unloaded and the sequence of unloading.
- Ensure the container is sitting level to reduce the risk of panels, slabs or other objects becoming unstable and toppling and check the outside for damage that may indicate content has shifted.
- Before opening or releasing transport restraints, consider if the use of a container door safety strap or equipment to prop or support contents that may have shifted is needed to prevent toppling.
- Ensure that no one is in the fall shadow of any object at any time and use equipment to minimise workers’ interaction with contents.
- Ensure that any engineering controls, for example additional load restraints, are introduced from outside the fall shadow.
- Ensure that lifting gear, such as shackles, cables and clamps, is regularly checked by a competent or licensed person in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
- Ensure any forklift being used has the appropriate load rating for all fitted attachments and is being used as intended.
