Posted By Jonf Should we be making use of a winch to load / unload our wheeled plant (e.g. rollers)? lorry bed is mainly wood with a metal frame; issue arises when driving up / down the lorry ramp (in rain / split fuel / mud etc), risk of slipping backwards down to ramp, also risk of sliding sidewards - overturning when coming to a stop at the bottom! will check if there is any "guidance" an ACoP etc, THANKS.

Posted By Jonf Thanks Frank - will check them out.

Posted By HLS Hi couple of basic principles that should be applied, hope they help, remember we have to be practicle in the application of risk managment and H/S application in the work place. "every risk should be assessed" and reduced AFARP If by using the winch you are reducing the risk with little or no extra effort, this is the least you should do! Use the Hierarchy of control, Eliminate, Substitute, Isolate, Engineering, Admin and PPE as last resort. Can the deck be improved by cleaning and or resurfacing (Engineering change to slip resistant surface), this would eliminate slipping hazards. Improved spill control as admin control, (training/awareness) also PUWEr/HASWA/MHSWA would ask is surface fit for purpose maintained to provide safe place of work, safe plant and equipment. Using the winch would be one of many controls implemented to reduce the likely hood of an incident. Slips trips and falls would need to be covered in RA if operatives are walking on surface. Are their boots providing enough grip or are their soles worn out. HLS