April 2013
CNG Competitor Analysis
Pallet Truck Hazards & Control
Measures
Trainer – Binas Nasar
Introduction
+ Pallet jacks, both manual and powered are an integral part of moving our
customers products from the trailer to the customer’s designated location
+ When used improperly or unsafely, they can cause serious injury or death
+ Improper operation can also cause product damage and damage to customer
facilities
Pallet Jack Injuries
+ Strains and Sprains
+ Pushing
+ Pulling
+ Lifting
+ Hand Injuries
+ Pinching between objects
+ Foot Injuries
+ Running over foot with Pallet Jack
Examples of Injuries
+ Driver strained lower back moving food pallets using a manual pallet jack
+ Driver injured his right foot after a pallet jack ran over his foot while pushing
product into the back storeroom
+ Driver smashed and broke left pinky finger between trailer wall and pallet jack
+ Driver pulling pallet jack from under pallet of batteries and strained R shoulder
+ Driver climbed on freight to move stuck pallet, twisted left ankle
+ Driver claims pulling pallet strained lower back
Keep your feet away from pinch points
Keep your hands inside the guard
Do not place yourself between the pallet jack and fixed object
Keep your feet away from the pallet jack
Use proper lifting techniques when restacking product
Pre-Trip/Post-Trip Inspections
+ Visual Inspection
+ Any leaks?
+ Any damage that would effect the safe operation?
+ Any twine or plastic wrapped around the wheels?
+ Any chunks missing out of the wheels?
+ Forks damaged or bent?
+ Operation Checks
+ Does the pallet jack move smoothly?
+ Can the forks be raised and lowered?
Check for leaks
Check for foreign objects between the wheels
Move slowly to avoid damaging property
Safety Tips
+ Make sure the trailer wheels are properly chocked before loading and unloading
+ Keep load as low to floor as possible
+ Make sure load is stable and centered on the forks
+ Make sure load is not too high
+ Do not place your self between the pallet jack and wall, bulk head or any fixed
object
+ Beware of slippery surfaces
+ Watch for obstructions on the floor that could cause the load to tip or become
unstable
Safety Tips
+ If using a dock plate, be sure the dock plate is securely locked into place
+ Make sure the dock plate is in good condition
+ Make sure dock plate is the correct size for application
+ If using lift gate, make sure the safety flap is up and locked
+ Remain aware of where you are at on the trailer or lift gate at all times
+ Never lose awareness of where you are and what you are doing. A fall from
trailer height can be fatal!
Safety Tips
+ Keep your hands inside the hand guard
+ Keeps your feet away from any moving parts including wheels
+ Watch your speed – travel slowly
+ When going down an incline be above the pallet jack
+ Watch out for other workers in the area
+ Use caution at corners and intersections
+ When loaded, do not let the load obstruct your vision
+ When restacking load, use proper lifting techniques
Safety Tips
+ When parking the pallet jack, make sure the forks are grounded
+ Make sure it is parked in a safe location
+ Do not block walk ways or fire escape routes
+ Never allow anyone to ride the pallet jack
+ Do not put drinks or liquids on the pallet jack
+ Do not use cell phone when using the pallet jack
+ Horse play and fast maneuvering are unacceptable
+ Do not try to try to stop a heavy load from falling
Safety Tips
+ Most injuries suffered when operating a manual pallet jack occur from pushing
and pulling incorrectly, resulting in sprains and strains
+ Always remember that you do not have electric power to help you over bumps or
inclines You are supplying the power, do so safely
+ If you need help moving the load, ask for help
+ Always pull with both hands to avoid injury
+ Do not take chances – do not work outside your limits
Review
+ Pallet jacks enable you to move loads in minutes that would require hours to
move manually
+ Serious injury or damage can result when a pallet jack is operated improperly
+ You need to inspect your pallet jack before and after each use
+ It is up to you to operate your pallet jack safely to avoid injury and damage
April 2013
CNG Competitor Analysis
