You probably don’t think that a hand truck or dolly can be very dangerous, especially when compared to larger and more complicated equipment, but there are many hazards that you need to look out for when using one.
Using a dolly carelessly can lead to pinched body parts, strained backs, or crushed toes.
Have you ever been shopping at the grocery store and somebody bumps their shopping cart into the back of your foot? Yeah, well that kind of stuff happens a lot at work too with people bumping into their coworkers with the dolly. It is also not uncommon to see an operator go off the edge of a dock or get pulled down a ramp when a heavy load gets the better of them. Location, location, location. People can also get hurt trying to squeeze past a dolly left blocking a walkway.
There are many different types of hand trucks, each designed for a different type of load, but the idea is the same for all of them: make a heavy load easier to move from one location to another. This could be as simple as moving furniture at home, to moving boxes and drums at work.
Here are some tips that can keep you safe when using hand trucks:
- Make sure you have been trained on how to use the equipment properly, including proper use of walkways and paths throughout the facility.
- Inspect the hand truck before using it. Make sure the wheels and moving parts are all in good working condition. If not, don’t risk it. Take the hand truck out of service until it can be repaired or replaced.
- Wear the required PPE. We mentioned the crushed toes earlier. Wearing steel-toe boots can keep those little piggies safe. A back belt can also help protect your back while pushing around a heavy load.
- Don’t overload the cart. If you can’t see over the load you’re overloaded. Keep the heavy boxes at the bottom. Don’t exceed the weight capacity of the truck. Tie down the load if possible to prevent tipping over.
- Keep your feet, and your coworkers’ feet, clear of the wheels at all times.
- Protect your back. Lift with your legs. Push the cart, don’t pull. Pulling leads to injuries. It’s way easier to push.
- Travel at safe speeds and plan your path. Good housekeeping will ensure your path is cleared and free of obstacles.
- Make sure your hands are clean and dry so that the cart doesn’t slip out of your hands.
- Watch for pinch points. If you’re loading something onto a pallet, make sure to watch your fingers so that they don’t get caught between the new load and the load already on the pallet.
- Never ride your cart, dolly, or palletjack like a skateboard or scooter. I know it’s tempting. Really tempting. But DON’T. DO. IT.
- Be aware of where you are leaving the hand truck. It should be placed on even ground and should never be blocking a path or walkway. Never, ever leave it at the top of the stairs or ramp. Doesn’t matter if the cart is loaded or empty; this is a sure-fire way to injure somebody (usually somebody else).
A hand truck is a very useful tool when used properly but can also be very dangerous if used improperly. So… use it properly!
Until Next Time- Safety First!