Risk Assessment: Trailers & Towing

Document Information

Field	Value
Document Reference	RA18
Issue Number	2
Issue Date	1 June 2026
Next Review	1 June 2027
Prepared By	Sean Ashton
Approved By	Aaron Mason, Director

Risk Assessment

Activity/Process	Hazard	Who/What Affected	Existing Controls	Pre-Control Risk (S/L/R)	New Controls Required	Post-Control Risk (S/L/R)
Driver licensing and competence assessment	Insufficient qualification or competence to safely tow trailers	• Driver • Other road users • Members of public • Risk of accidents from incompetent/unauthorized operation	• Driver license checks for appropriate towing categories • Only trained/experienced drivers permitted to tow • Specific training on coupling, loading, and towing • Pre-use checks included in training • Regular competence assessments conducted	5/3/15 (High)	• Implement formal towing authorization system with competence assessments Aaron Mason, within 2 months • Maintain central register of authorized towing drivers HR Department, within 1 month • Provide refresher training every 12 months Leanne Mason • Conduct random observation with feedback Transport Supervisors, monthly	5/2/10 (High)
Pre-use inspection of tow vehicle and trailer	• Defective towing equipment • Trailer component failures • Coupling system defects	• All road users • Risk of mechanical failure or trailer detachment	• Daily pre-use checks conducted before each use • Inspection of trailer, tires, and load • Break-away cables checked • Regular maintenance by competent personnel • Defective equipment removed immediately • Maintenance records kept	5/3/15 (High)	• Develop comprehensive trailer inspection checklist with visual guides Aaron Mason, within 1 month • Implement documented pre-tow inspection process Jason May • Provide trailer inspection training Leanne Mason, within 2 months • Establish trailer maintenance tracking system Directors, within 3 months	5/2/10 (High)
Trailer coupling and uncoupling	• Incorrect coupling leading to detachment • Crush injuries during coupling • Trailer rolling away	• Driver and nearby personnel • Risk of serious crush injuries • Other road users if trailer detaches	• Drivers trained in correct procedures • Wheel chocks provided • Handbrake applied before disconnecting • Jacks/stabilizing legs lowered and locked • Anti-tamper/anti-theft devices provided • Adequate space for safe coupling • Visual indicators show correct engagement	5/3/15 (High)	• Implement mandatory 'second person check' of coupling for high-risk trailers Directors • Provide enhanced training on crush zone awareness Sean Ashton, within 1 month • Develop site-specific risk assessments for difficult coupling locations (where required)	5/2/10 (High)
Loading and securing loads on trailers	• Incorrect loading causing instability • Unsecured/inadequately secured loads • Exceeding weight limits	• All road users • Risk from shifting loads, instability, or falling objects	• Drivers trained in load distribution and securing • Appropriate securing equipment provided • Maximum capacities clearly marked • Proper tongue weight maintained • Visual checks before departure • Weight limits confirmed • Heavy items secured	4/3/12 (High)	• Provide load security guides for common cargo types Sean Ashton • Develop load assessment checklist Sean Ashton • Implement random load security audits	4/2/8 (Moderate)
Towing on public roads	• Reduced vehicle control • Increased stopping distances • Trailer instability/snaking • Reduced visibility	• All road users • Risk from loss of control or trailer incidents	• Specific training on towing techniques • Speed limited for towing operations • Training in trailer sway control • Extended mirrors provided • Proper braking techniques taught • Routes planned to avoid hazards • Increased stopping distances allowed	4/3/12 (High)	• Develop guidance for towing in adverse weather Sean Ashton • Consider journey management plans for high-risk operations Directors	4/2/8 (Moderate)
Maneuvering and reversing with trailers	• Collision with structures/vehicles/pedestrians • Restricted visibility • Jackknifing during reversing	• Pedestrians and property • Risk of collision damage or injury	• Competent traffic marshal supervises reversing • Drivers trained in reversing techniques • Designated maneuvering areas established • Pedestrian access restricted • Adequate space ensured • Walk intended route first • Reversing cameras/sensors where appropriate	3/4/12 (High)	• Implement mandatory banksman for all reversing • Develop site-specific maneuvering plans for regular locations • Provide enhanced practical training Sean Ashton	3/2/6 (Moderate)
Loading and unloading plant from trailers	• Plant overturning • Ramp damage • Falls from height • Crushing injuries	• Drivers and nearby personnel • Risk of serious injury/death from moving plant or falls	• Only trained operators load/unload plant • Seat belts worn at all times • Traffic marshal present • Level, weight-bearing ground • Jacks/stabilizers secured • Approved loading ramps used • Plant secured immediately • Edge protection provided	5/3/15 (High)	• Develop specific risk assessments for different plant types Sean Ashton • Implement formal permit system for high-risk operations • Provide enhanced loading/unloading training Sean Ashton	5/2/10 (High)
Parking and securing trailers when not in use	• Unauthorized movement or theft • Trailer rolling away	• Members of public and property • Risk from unsecured/stolen trailers	• Parked on level ground with handbrakes applied • Wheels chocked • Hitchlocks/wheel clamps used • Secure parking areas used • Keys stored securely • Jacks/stabilizers lowered and locked • Not parked on public roads unless necessary	4/3/12 (High)	• Develop trailer parking procedures for each location Site Supervisor • Implement random security checks Site Supervisor	4/2/8 (Moderate)

Key:

• S = Severity (1-5 scale)
• L = Likelihood (1-5 scale)
• R = Risk Rating (S × L)
• Risk Levels:
• Low (1-3)
• Moderate (4-8)
• High (9-15)
• Very High (16-25)

Related Documents

• DVLA Licensing Requirements
• CPC Certification Standards
• Manufacturer's Maintenance Schedules
• Chapter 8: Traffic Signs Manual
• Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice