By Ocean Roads
When it comes to ute trays, safety is just as important as strength and style. Whether you’re a tradesperson, fleet manager, or outdoor adventurer, your tray needs to do more than carry a load — it must protect your tools, your vehicle, and most importantly, you and your crew.
At Ocean Roads, we specialise in designing and building custom aluminium trays and heavy duty aluminium trays that don’t just work hard — they work smart and safe. In this post, we’ll explore the top safety features to look for in a ute tray build so you can make the right investment for your vehicle.
1. Load Security Points
One of the most important safety features in any tray is how well it secures your load. Loose gear isn’t just a nuisance — it’s a hazard. A quality ute tray should come with strong, well-placed tie-down points or internal anchor rails that allow you to secure everything from ladders and pipes to toolboxes and machinery.
At Ocean Roads, our heavy duty aluminium trays are built with multiple load tie-down options that meet both road safety standards and practical worksite needs. This ensures your gear stays exactly where it should — even on rough terrain or emergency stops.
2. Non-Slip Flooring
Slippery surfaces are a recipe for injury. Whether you’re standing on the tray to load gear or trying to move around in the rain, non-slip flooring is essential.
We offer checker plate aluminium surfaces on all our custom aluminium trays, which not only enhance grip but also resist wear, rust, and the elements. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference in workplace safety and tray durability.
3. Proper Lighting Integration
Whether you’re working early mornings or late evenings, proper lighting can prevent accidents and make load handling safer. Integrated tail lights, brake lights, and work lights should be part of your tray build — not an afterthought.
Our trays are designed with protected light mounts and integrated wiring channels to keep cables out of harm’s way, reducing the risk of shorts or failures. We also offer LED lighting options that improve visibility while using less power.
4. Safe Access and Ergonomic Design
Getting in and out of your tray shouldn’t feel like a gym workout. Look for features like integrated steps, lower side rails, and easy-grab handles to reduce the risk of slips, trips, and strains.
Ocean Roads trays are designed with usability and safety in mind. Our custom aluminium trays are tailored to your workflow — whether you need toolboxes at a reachable height, drop sides for easy loading, or ergonomic design features to reduce physical strain throughout the day.
5. Durability and Structural Safety
A tray’s structural integrity plays a massive role in safety. Cracks, corrosion, or warping can compromise load security and handling. That’s why material choice matters — and why more professionals are turning to aluminium.
Our heavy duty aluminium trays are built from high-grade, rust-resistant aluminium, offering excellent strength-to-weight ratio. This reduces your vehicle’s overall weight (improving fuel efficiency and handling) without compromising structural integrity.
6. Tool and Equipment Security
Leaving your gear exposed is not just a financial risk — unsecured tools and boxes can also become dangerous projectiles. A well-built ute tray should offer lockable, tamper-resistant toolboxes and compartments.
Ocean Roads offers fully lockable storage integrated into both custom aluminium tray and heavy duty aluminium tray builds. These storage units are designed to keep your tools safe — whether you’re on-site or parked overnight in a high-traffic area.
7. Compliance with ADR and Road Safety Standards
Lastly, your tray must comply with Australian Design Rules (ADR) and local transport regulations. This includes proper lighting placement, weight distribution, and reflectors. Non-compliance not only endangers safety — it can result in costly fines and insurance issues.
All Ocean Roads trays are built to meet or exceed Australian road safety standards. We take the guesswork out of compliance so you can focus on getting the job done.
Final Thoughts
A ute tray should be more than just tough — it should be safe, smart, and purpose-built for your needs. From non-slip surfaces to secure storage and lighting integration, these safety features protect your team, your tools, and your investment.
Whether you need a custom aluminium tray tailored to your trade or a heavy duty aluminium tray built to handle serious loads, Ocean Roads delivers solutions that are as safe as they are strong.
Ready to upgrade your tray with safety in mind? Contact Ocean Roads today for a consultation — and drive with confidence, no matter where the job takes you.