Alert: entanglement hazard on live-bottom trailers in farming
Employers can prevent injury and death by ensuring that the conveyors on live-bottom trailers used in farming and other industries are adequately guarded to prevent access by a worker.
Issued on July 29, 2024.
Hazard summary
Live-bottom trucks/trailers
Live-bottom trucks/trailers are types of vehicles that are commonly used on farms and in many other Ontario workplaces for material handling. These vehicles have a moving conveyor system on the bottom of the unit that allows for efficient and controlled unloading of bulk materials such as gravel, soil, and farm produce. The benefit of these conveyer systems is the ability to unload the trailer without having to tip it or manually remove the load. The conveyor is powered by an electric or hydraulic motor and is operated by controls typically found on the side of the vehicle.
Hazard example
The conveyor belts on this equipment may expose workers to entanglement and in-running nip hazards when working in and around the following areas:
- belt
- drive/head pulley
- tail pulley
- return idlers/roller
- carrying idlers/rollers
Key legal requirements
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers have general duties, including the duty to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers from exposure to hazards, such as the hazard of being drawn into or entangled in a conveyor system.
Employers must ensure that:
- any rotating or moving parts that may injure a worker are guarded or shielded to prevent any worker from accessing that part
- the drive mechanism is locked out prior to any work performed on the trailer, including clearing any obstructions and working under the trailer
- equipment is maintained in good condition
- workers are acquainted with the hazards at the workplace
- information, instruction and supervision are provided to workers to protect their health and safety
Precautions to consider
When using live-bottom/conveyor equipment, employers must ensure:
- any parts of the conveyor, including return rollers, which may cause a worker to become entangled are guarded or shielded to prevent access to that area
- the operator/worker is aware of how to use the equipment and understands the hazards associated with conveyor
- guards/shields are maintained in place during the operation of the equipment
- if the guards/shields are removed during maintenance, including clearing out a clog/obstruction or fixing a seized conveyor, ensure that the conveyor motor/controls are locked out to prevent accidently starting the motor while equipment is exposed
- no worker enters the trailer prior to the drive mechanism being locked out
- the material exit doors or gates are open prior to starting the unloading procedure to prevent excess pressure against the closed door/gate
- the area at the discharge of the conveyor is kept free of all workers to prevent injury from the material being unloaded
Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions/owner’s manual for the equipment and ensure all workers are familiar with its safe operation.
Contact us
If you need more information about safety requirements, please contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Health & Safety Contact Centre at
This resource does not replace the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations and should not be used as or considered legal advice. Health and safety inspectors apply the law based on the facts in the workplace.