Load failure toolbox talk
Read it out at the pre-start or a toolbox meeting, talk through the questions, and have everyone sign on. It's built from our load failure page and the 185 SafetyDocs templates that cover it.
- Site
- Date
- Presented by
What it is
Loads that shift, swing, fall or break loose because they are unsecured, badly rigged or lifted with damaged or unsuitable lifting gear.
Controls to check, most effective first
- Have a competent person prepare a lift plan, and use licensed riggers, doggers and crane operators where required.
- Select lifting gear rated for the load, check its identification tag, and inspect it before each lift.
- Remove damaged or untagged slings, chains, shackles and hooks from service immediately.
- Secure loads on vehicles with suitable restraints, and check restraints before travel and at stops on long trips.
- Use tag lines to control swinging loads, and never stand or walk under a suspended load.
Questions for the crew
- Where could load failure come up on this job today?
- The most effective control is: “Have a competent person prepare a lift plan, and use licensed riggers, doggers and crane operators where required”. Can we do that here? If not, why not?
- Which controls for load failure are missing or not working on this site?
- When would you stop work because of load failure, and who would you tell?
- How do we report a hazard, a near miss or an incident on this job?
Sign-on record
Everyone who attended signs below. Keep it with your toolbox talk records.
| Name | Company | Signature |
|---|---|---|
A starting point for a talk, not a SWMS or a risk assessment. Add what's particular to your site and crew.