Hundreds of vehicles will be subjected to spot checks in the coming weeks, as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) steps up its load safety campaign.
The initiative is focused on reducing the number of deaths and injuries linked to workplace transport, with loading and unloading accounting for one in five incidents on worksites.
Unsafe loads on vehicles account for more than 1,200 injuries each year, costing public liability insurance holders millions of pounds in damaged goods.
The spot checks will be carried out over eight days at locations across the north west, with officers from the HSE and the Vehicle Operator Services Agency inspecting vans and lorries.
Peter Brown, a spokesperson from the HSE, said that there is absolutely no excuse for unsafe loads, even if people are only travelling short distances.
"Vehicles are at risk of overturning if a load moves and makes them unstable. Load shifts can also put those workers who are unloading the van or lorry at the other end at risk," he added.
The HSE advised that public liability insurance holders can prevent falls from the cab or load bed by checking steps and handleholds are in good condition and that floors are free of ice or water.