Tip Sheet: Keep Your Pallet Jack on Track

Details

• Corporate Authors:
  Washington (State). Department of Labor and Industries
• Description:
  Manual pallet jacks are common equipment that truck drivers and material handlers use to lift, lower and move heavy freight between trailers and loading docks. Though operating a pallet jack is easy and requires no special training, injuries can still result from equipment failure, hazardous surroundings, and not following safety rules. As for all equipment, inspect your pallet jack before each use to make sure it's in good condition. Look for uneven floor surfaces, damaged dock plates, and open dock edges that can destabilize your pallet's load or end in a painful fall. Always stick to the rules of safe equipment use to avoid injuring yourself and co-workers while using a pallet jack. These and the other listed tips can help you avoid pallet jack mishaps at work. TIPS TO LIVE BY: Before Use - Inspect pallet jack forks, tires, and hydraulic piston for any damage before use. Never place your feet or hands under pallet jack forks and wheels. Make sure load is properly stacked and secured. Never move a pallet jack without a full grip on the handle. During Use - Whenever possible, push the jack instead of pulling it. Always keep a clear view of travel and stay in your lane. Never travel into a position that may pin someone between the pallet jack and other object or structure. Never allow anyone to stand, ride, or be lifted on forks. Always lower the forks when parking the pallet jack. Safe Surroundings - Close doors or install security gates or barriers to prevent falls from loading docks. Add a warning track of yellow paint on the floor near loading dock openings. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Automobiles Education Environmental Exposure Hazardous Substances Manufacturing And Industrial Facilities Occupational Health Preventive Medicine Risk Assessment Risk Factors Safety Transportation Workplace

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• Keywords:
  Equipment Design Equipment Maintenance Equipment Operation Equipment Reliability Exposure Levels Hazard Identification Hazards Injuries Injury Prevention Lifting Lifting Capacity Materials Handling Materials Handling Equipment Motor Vehicles Preventive Measures Protective Measures Risk Factors Safety Equipment Safety Measures Safety Practices Tools Transportation Industry Truck Drivers Trucking Work Environment Workers Worker Safety

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• Publisher:
  Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Cooperative Agreement
• Genre:
  Lay Publication
• Place as Subject:
  OSHA Region 10 ; Washington
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  1
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20062875
• Citation:
  Olympia, WA: Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, 90-158-2021, 2021 Jun; :1
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2021
• Performing Organization:
  Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Start Date:
  20050701
• Source Full Name:
  Tip sheet: keep your pallet jack on track
• End Date:
  20260630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:beb96744553ed355def6b366e4967210d1c653b4a431f9359ed5783e4e8c0567d3b99ceba48911d4093e85b679a550473075bd57dd26eee14f53654ea707ce7c
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/226048/cdc_226048_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 714.66 KB ]