Truck Wheel Chocks
                     Truck Wheel Chocks: The Unsung Heroes of Heavy Vehicle Safety in Australia
In the world of heavy transport and logistics, safety is absolutely everything. Whether you're 
unloading a B-double at a warehouse dock, parking a tipper on a slope, or servicing a road train 
in a depot, one small oversight can lead to serious damage or injury. That’s where truck wheel 
chocks come in—a simple, yet vital tool that keeps trucks securely in place and accidents at bay.
While they might not be the most glamorous item in your kit, wheel chocks play a critical role in 
workplace safety across Australia’s transport, construction, and mining industries. Without them,
the risk of rollaway incidents increases dramatically.
What Are Truck Wheel Chocks?
Truck wheel chocks are wedge-shaped blocks made from heavy-duty materials like rubber, 
polyurethane, or steel. Their job is simple: to prevent a parked truck or trailer from moving 
unintentionally. Chocks are placed snugly against the wheels—usually the downhill side—when 
a truck is parked or being loaded, unloaded, or maintained.
They work by creating physical resistance against wheel movement, especially on inclined or 
uneven surfaces. Whether it’s a gust of wind, faulty brakes, or a minor slope, the humble chock 
helps keep things right where they should be.
Why Chocks Matter in the Australian Landscape
Australia’s unique working environments make wheel chocks particularly essential. From 
regional freight yards to outback mine sites and bustling metro distribution hubs, our terrain is 
often rough, sloped, and unpredictable. Even a slight incline can turn a parked vehicle into a 
hazard.
Under Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws, businesses are responsible for identifying and 
managing risks on site. Using truck wheel chocks is one of the simplest and most effective 
controls for preventing rollaways and keeping workers safe.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) also outlines safety guidelines around 
securing heavy vehicles during loading and unloading, and while chocks aren’t always legally 
mandated, they're often part of best practice or site-specific procedures—especially in high-risk 
zones.
Different Types of Truck Wheel Chocks
Not all wheel chocks are created equal. Choosing the right type depends on your vehicle, surface 
conditions, and operational environment:
1. Rubber Chocks
Durable, affordable, and grippy—rubber chocks are the most commonly used across 
Australian fleets. They provide excellent traction on most surfaces, including asphalt and 
concrete.
2. Polyurethane Chocks
Lighter than rubber, but just as tough. These are ideal for harsh environments like mining
or chemical sites, as they resist oils, fuels, and corrosion. They also last longer in UV-
heavy conditions—perfect for the Aussie sun.
3. Aluminium or Steel Chocks
Heavy-duty and used in extreme conditions or for military/industrial-grade applications. 
While very durable, they’re also heavier and not ideal for everyday use in general freight.
4. Chocks with Handles or Chains
Great for WHS compliance, these models are easier to position and remove without 
putting workers in awkward positions. Chains can also be used to tether chocks so they 
don’t go missing.
 
Best Practices for Using Truck Wheel Chocks
Here are a few tips to make sure you're getting the most out of your chocks:
 Always chock both sides of the wheel when on an incline or when required by site 
procedure.
 Use the right size chock for the wheel diameter and vehicle weight. Too small, and it 
won’t hold. Too big, and it won’t sit properly.
 Check the surface—chocks won’t be effective on ice, mud, or loose gravel unless 
they’re designed for it.
 Regular inspections—like any safety gear, chocks can wear down over time. Cracks, 
tears, or missing tread can compromise their grip.
 Store them properly—don’t just throw them in the back of the truck. Proper storage 
helps them last longer and stay compliant.
Legal and Safety Considerations in Australia
While there may not be a national law mandating wheel chocks in all scenarios, most Australian
Standard operating procedures and WHS regulations include them as part of risk assessments 
and safe work practices—especially in high-risk industries.
For example, mining operations under MSHA or Safe Work Australia guidelines will 
typically mandate the use of chocks for any parked mobile plant on a slope. Likewise, many 
freight and logistics companies have internal policies requiring chocks during loading and 
unloading.
Using chocks shows that you're taking reasonable steps to protect people and property. In the 
event of an incident, the absence of basic safety gear like wheel chocks can raise questions about 
negligence and liability.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to truck safety in Australia, Truck wheel chocks are a small investment with 
massive return. They’re lightweight, easy to use, and could quite literally save lives.
Whether you’re operating in a high-vis vest on a dusty jobsite, backing a trailer into a tight 
loading dock, or parking up in the paddock after a long haul—chocking those wheels should be 
second nature. After all, when the rubber stops rolling, it’s the chock that keeps it that way.