WorkSafe Victoria has issued a guidance note which is said to assist the development of safe work practices for people unpacking shipping containers.
According to WorkSafe Victoria, unpacking shipping containers involves significant hazards to workers including: hazardous placement of container at site; falls from height; falling goods; fumigation; manual handling; and pedestrian and mobile plant separations.
The resource, titled Unpacking shipping containers, contains a table which both lists and illustrates the main dangers associated with this task. It also includes the possible consequence of the hazard and provides a list of recommended controls.
The guidance note is targeted at employers, workers, importers, labour hire companies and container freight station operators.
Unpacking shipping containers can be obtained from the WorkSafe Victoria website.