Oregon Trucking Associations: Safety Statistics

Most of these mishaps can be avoided by following time-tested and approved safety procedures:

Know your company's safety rules and follow them. If a rule needs to be changed or strengthened, speak out to your supervisor or to a member of the safety committee.
Maintain good housekeeping practices. Many slip and fall injuries occur because someone failed to put something where it belonged. Do not leave tools laying on the floor. Debris and dunnage from packaging should be placed in a container for trash or recycling. Pallets left laying flat are an ideal trip and fall hazard. Stack them (on their sides) in an approved storage area for pallets. Clean up spills. Sweep the dock frequently. Park freight handling equipment in their approved parking area. Do not leave them in aisles or near loading doors.
Use freight handling equipment properly. Our company has a formal training program on the use of forklifts, pallet jacks and hand trucks.
Know the hazardous materials rules and the hazard communication policy of our company. Know where the First Aid kit and the MSDS manual are located, in case of an emergency. Recognize warning labels for the hazards they represent and handle the freight accordingly. Do not handle packages that are broken or have leaked, without getting assistance and checking for emergency spill response requirements.
Walk - don't run- on or in the dock and warehouse area. Watch for trip hazards. Do not hand-carry freight in a way that blocks your view of your proposed path. Use both hands when going up and down ladders. Remember that concrete floors can "sweat", making them slippery, and sometimes icy in colder weather. Make sure lighting is adequate throughout the work area, so you can see where you are going.
Make sure dock plates are properly secured, and that the wheels of trailers that are parked at the dock are chocked. Do not move in and out of freight trailers if there are unsecured or broken dock plates, and if the trailer is not secured. Use care in moving dock plates. They can have sharp edges, creating a cut or puncture hazard. They are heavy, creating a lifting hazard or risk of a foot injury. Get help if you cannot handle them safely