Material handling safety for delivery drivers safety talk
Working as a delivery driver can bring exposures such as sprains and strains and overexertion injuries. Some conditions involving material handling that might present these exposures are:
- Picking up material to be moved
- Slips, trips, and falls while transporting material
- Push and pull movement of carts or dollies
Material handling safety tips:
- Wear closed toed shoes with good grip as well as gloves to assist with lifting items
- When using carts or dollies to load or unload push and never pull the load
- Plan your path before moving the load to avoid any obstructions
- Do not take a shortcut through an area that presents additional hazards
- When opening the truck or bay doors use handles and straps to get a good grip
- If you must lift a load manually use proper lifting techniques and take it slow
- If you have dollies, carts, lifts, straps etc. available to assist a heavy or awkward load, use them
- Lightweight ramps should be used to prevent strain on steps or curbs with heavy items
- Break the load into smaller groups when possible
- Do not obstruct your view when traveling
- Keep good housekeeping in the trailer as items are cleared out to prevent tripping or stepping on sharp items
- If items are loaded into the trailer and not secured properly, bring it to the attention of the loader and have it reassessed
- If cargo shifts, pull over to a safe area and get the load tightened
- Plan stops in your route for rests to avoid muscle fatigue