Tip Sheet

A s e r i e s o f h e a l t h a n d s a f e t y t i p s t o p r e v e n t w o r k- r e l e a t e d i n j u r i e s i n t h e t r u c k i n g i n d u s t r y

Is that Pallet Safe to Move?

Hazard

Solution

Unsecured,
unstable load

Material that is not secured properly on a pallet

for transport can shift and strike a worker, causing
serious injury.

Securely
wrapped

Secure pallet loads with shrink-wrap or other

strapping material before moving to reduce the
chance of a worker getting injured.

The most common workers compensation claims related to geing struck by an object are back sprains
from being struck by boxes or cartons. These injuries can occur at many intervals during the load/
unload process including during transport on the forkli or from cargo shi when opening a trailer.

How to prevent injuries

f

Secure all material and items with shrink-wrap or strapping to assure stability, before moving
with a forkli or other equipment.

Dont try to catch falling cargo or boxes.

Protect co-workers around forklis:

Watch your speed, especially while turning.

Leave plenty of room for workers on foot.

Dont let co-workers ride on the forkli or

stand on the forks.

Always travel with your load low for beer

visibility.

www.KeepTruckingSafe.org

SHARP Program, Dept. of Labor & Industries

PO Box 44330, Olympia, WA 98504-4330
Phone: 1-888-667-4277
E-mail: TruckingNews@KeepTruckingSafe.org
Produced by the Trucking Injury Reduction Emphasis
(TIRES) Project with funding in part from CDC/
NIOSH grant U60 OH008487.
Publication No. 90-21-2008