TORONTO, ON – The Canadian Trucking Alliance has unveiled a family of multimedia tools to promote safe practices when working around flatbeds.

Using “whiteboard” animation videos and digital infographics, the tools emerged after Employment and Social Development Canada’s Occupational Health and Safety Directorate issued a hazard alert following several fatalities and serious injuries caused by unstable freight. The accidents happened at sites that were not controlled by driver employers, the alliance adds.

Information extends beyond the original hazard alert, and also references risks such as inadequate lighting, improper maintenance of grounds, and the fact that many sites require drivers to tarp their loads off site – sometimes at the side of public roads.

The information illustrates best and poor practices, and reminds site operators of their safety-related responsibilities.

While the material focuses on flatbed drivers, the issues also apply to operations like grain haulers who often have to clean grain out of their vehicles in unsafe environments, the alliance says.

To view the video, Keeping Flatbed Truck Drivers Safe, click here: (English & French)