Projects
Safer Loading
Crate P.A.L. Trial Proves Feasibility of User-Pay Model
Loading and unloading livestock is high-risk. ALRTA conducted a 12-week trial investigating moveable gantries and the Crate Parallel Access Landing (P.A.L.) system, with the aim of reducing these risks by providing safe access to livestock crates and loading ramps.
The $102,000 project received funding through the NHVR's Heavy Vehicle Safety Infrastructure Initiative. The equipment was designed and installed by ProWay and eliminates the need for drivers to climb crate sides, thereby reducing fall hazards and livestock strike incidents.
The feasibility study demonstrated that:
- It is possible to operate a Crate P.A.L. on a user-pay basis.
- There is a typical supply/demand relationship between user prices and usage rates.
- At the KGF site, the optimum price was $10.00 per use with a cost recovery period of 2.6 years.
- At other sites, installation, maintenance and charging costs could typically be fully recovered in less than three years.
- User-pay is likely to be feasible at all sites with more than 15 truck deliveries per day.
- Installation of a Crate P.A.L. improves unloading safety without reducing efficiency.
Innovative Livestock Unloading Frame Trial
Trialling moveable gantries and the Crate P.A.L. system to give drivers safe, ground-level access to livestock crates and loading ramps.
Ramps Guide — OHS Award Nomination
ALRTA's work on safer loading infrastructure and ramp design has been recognised through an occupational health and safety award nomination.
Cross Loading & Stock Crate Pivoting Access Landing
Practical approaches to cross loading and pivoting access landings that improve safety without compromising operational efficiency.
Read the full report
For the complete business case, methodology, and detailed findings of the Crate P.A.L. trial, download the full project report.