This example covers curtain-sided vehicle operations - load restraint, falling loads on curtain opening, strap injuries, forklift interaction and vehicle rollaway.

Effective form templates

This example risk assessment has been prepared using the
F-HS20 General Risk Assessment form template - a purpose-built template designed to focus entirely on what matters: identifying hazards, rating risk and recording controls, without any unnecessary fields getting in the way.

The file is supplied in fully editable MS Word format and can be saved to Google Docs if required, with pre-defined styles throughout to match the risk ratings.
The following document labelling is included in the footer:

• Form number and title
• Information-classification
• Version
• Page number / total pages

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Further Reading

Further guidance on assessing and managing risk:

• Risk Assessment
• Risk Assessment - Likelihood and Consequence Scoring
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work

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Risk Assessment - Curtain-Sided Vehicle Operations

This pre-completed risk assessment covers operating, loading, unloading and securing loads on curtain-sided commercial vehicles, including trailer access, curtain operation and load restraint. It considers drivers, warehouse and loading staff, forklift operators, pedestrians in loading areas and other road users.

What Does This Risk Assessment Cover?

The assessment addresses the significant hazards of curtain-sider work, including:

• Load restraint - side curtains are weather protection only and provide negligible restraint for the load itself
• Falling loads - shifted loads leaning on the curtain and falling outwards when it is opened
• Falls from height - climbing onto the trailer bed or walking the load top to fit internal straps
• Strap and buckle injuries - straps snapping back under tension and trapped fingers in buckles and rails
• Vehicle rollaway - unexpected movement during loading and unloading
• Forklift interaction - lift trucks working close to drivers and pedestrians around the trailer
• Weather, movement and competence - wind catching open curtains, reversing and blind spots, slips in the loading area, manual handling, driver training and emergency response

How the Risks Are Rated

Every hazard is scored twice. The inherent rating shows the risk before controls are considered, and the residual rating shows the risk that remains once the listed controls are in place - giving a clear picture of how much each set of controls is actually doing. Ratings are selected from pre-populated drop-down boxes, with document styles that colour-match each rating automatically, and recognised safety pictograms mark hazards, mandatory controls and prohibitions throughout.

Who Is This Risk Assessment For?

This assessment is suitable for any business running or loading curtain-sided vehicles, including:

• Haulage and logistics operators
• Warehousing and distribution centres
• Builders merchants and wholesalers
• Manufacturers running their own delivery fleets

Ready to Adapt to Your Operation

The controls reflect established good practice for curtain-sider loading and transport. Review each row against your own vehicles, loading areas and products, adjust the ratings where your circumstances differ, and record your site-specific details in the completed-by and location fields.

Health and Safety Compliance

This document provides ready-to-use evidence of risk assessment and supports occupational health and safety management. The assessment is based on the F-HS20 General Risk Assessment template, is fully editable in Microsoft Word, and can be customised with your company details, site-specific information and review dates.