Guide improves transport trailer safety

WorkSafe has developed new guidance around transport trailers and heavy machinery.

It comes after a 2019 death where a trailer ramp fell on a Te Kuiti tradesman. The employer committed funds to a range of mandatory health and safety improvements, including sponsoring Construction Health and Safety New Zealand (CHASNZ) to develop new guidance on the safe use and maintenance of low-loader ramps.

“This guidance represents a vital step forward in making the transport and delivery of heavy machinery safer across New Zealand’s construction and infrastructure sectors. Low-loader ramps are deceptively routine but present some of the highest-energy risks on site,” says CHASNZ spokesperson Jon Harper-Slade.

“By bringing together technical insights from manufacturers, operators, and industry experts, and applying an evidence-based approach to high-energy hazard control, we’ve produced guidance that is practical, targeted, and grounded in what actually works on the ground. This resource will continue to benefit the sector for years to come.”

The guide, as part of the Enforceable Undertaking following the incident, helps owners, operators, maintainers, and designers of these trailers manage the risks associated with ramp operation and maintenance.

“We know industry is extremely keen for fresh guidance, and EUs can be a powerful way to deliver industry-led responses to identified risk gaps. Delivering guidance through an EU model has been a productive way to achieve our shared safety goals,” says WorkSafe’s Mark Horgan.

What the Guidance Details

Low-loader ramps, although routine, pose some of the highest energy risks on construction and infrastructure worksites. Common hazards include the potential for uncontrolled or inadvertent movement of ramps, hydraulic failures, and being in the fall zone of heavy ramps.

The guidance was developed by synthesising insights from manufacturers, operators, and industry experts to ensure practicality and relevance for real-world work.

It recommends using technical and behavioural controls that have been proven in practice, with a focus on high-energy hazard management.

· Never stand in or near the fall zone of a ramp during operation or maintenance.

· Secure ramps at all times when not in use, using safety devices such as over-centre valves in hydraulic systems, and never relying solely on the hydraulic mechanism for support.

· Do not use external means (like forklifts or loaders) to raise ramps, as this may create dangerous vacuums in the hydraulic system, leading to sudden failures.

· Thorough operator training is mandatory; all workers must be informed and trained on the unique risks associated with trailer ramps and the correct use and maintenance procedures.

· Implement robust maintenance routines, including pre-use checks (e.g., visual inspections, hydraulic and mechanical checks, ensuring no leaks or irregularities, and verifying all controls are operational).

· Report and tag out defective ramps immediately, and ensure they are repaired and formally inspected by qualified personnel before returning to use.

· Warning signage must be used to alert people to remain clear of ramps and raise hazard awareness.