Working at Heights Awareness for Transport Workers: Falls Can Be Fatal
Every year, transport workers are seriously injured or killed in falls from heights. Climbing onto flatbed trailers. Securing tarps on elevated loads. Accessing tanker tops. Working on curtain-sided vehicles. Using ladders for vehicle maintenance. Even something as routine as climbing into a B-double cab can result in a fall if done incorrectly or when fatigued.
In the transport industry, working at height isn’t limited to construction sites—it’s part of daily operations for drivers and depot staff. And when you combine height work with driver fatigue after long shifts, the risk multiplies.
Height Risks in Transport Operations
Working at heights in transport takes many forms, and all of them carry serious injury or death risks.
For Drivers:
- Climbing onto flatbed trailers and tankers
- Securing and releasing tarps on elevated loads
- Accessing bins, hoppers, and tipper bodies
- Working on top of curtain-sided vehicles
- Climbing in and out of high cabs (B-doubles, road trains)
- Using ladders to access vehicle roofs
- Working around elevated loading equipment
For Depot Staff:
- Working on elevated loading docks and platforms
- Accessing high storage areas
- Using elevated work platforms for maintenance
- Working around elevated conveyors
- Climbing on vehicles during inspections
The Fatigue Factor Driver fatigue significantly increases fall risk. After 10, 12, or 14 hours behind the wheel, coordination deteriorates, judgment suffers, and even routine climbing tasks become dangerous. A driver who’s been on the road all day is at much higher risk when climbing onto a trailer to secure a tarp.
What Our ACWH22 Course Covers for Transport Workers
Our Working at Heights Awareness Course addresses the Model Code of Practice for Managing Falls Risk, with specific application to transport operations: understanding height risks, recognizing hazards, fall prevention systems, safe use of ladders and platforms, equipment inspection, emergency procedures, and WHS responsibilities including chain of responsibility obligations.
Flexible Online Learning
Drivers and depot staff complete the course at times that suit them, without disrupting operations. Self-paced, engaging content with transport-relevant scenarios. Certificate provided immediately. Just $50 per person.
Who Needs This Training?
Essential for transport workers:
- Flatbed and curtain-sided truck drivers
- Tanker drivers
- Tipper and bin truck drivers
- Depot and warehouse staff
- Transport mechanics and maintenance workers
- Load coordinators and supervisors
- Anyone who climbs onto or around vehicles
Also valuable for: Others in logistics and distribution operations.
Real Transport Scenarios
The course addresses specific situations transport workers face: safe techniques for climbing onto flatbed trailers, securing elevated tarps and loads, proper use of vehicle access steps and ladders, working safely on tanker tops, and entering/exiting high cabs safely—especially important when fatigued.
KRTS: Transport Industry Specialists Since 1990
KRTS has specialized in heavy vehicle transport training since 1990. Our trainers are qualified auditors with deep transport experience. We partner with NHVR to ensure training reflects current industry requirements.
Protect Your Transport Team Today
Working at heights awareness for just $50 per person.
Transport operators: Contact KRTS on 02 6924 4046.
