3 Protect Yourself; Protect Yourself; Protect Yourself 4- Page 3

3  Protect Yourself

Protect Yourself

Know the Hazards

DRIVE CAREFULLY

• When allowing the truck to coast, travel power unit 

first only. Do not turn. Keep to the side of the truck. 

Make certain the truck won't hit the back of your leg 

or foot. Don't let the truck run over your foot.  

• When riding, keep your hands on the controls and 

feet on the platform. Keep your body within the 

operator area.

• Don't put hands or arms over the backrest.
• Never stick a foot or any part of your body outside 

the truck, no matter how slow the truck is moving. 

You cannot stop 900 kg or (2,000 lbs) with any part of 

your body. A foot or hand caught between the truck 

and a fixed object will be crushed or even

  cut off.
• Never place objects anywhere on the operator 

platform. They would be a trip hazard and could 

affect truck speed.

• Stay away from the edge of docks and ramps. Make 

sure dockboards are secure. Check that trailer wheels 

are chocked. You could be seriously injured or even 

killed in a fall from a dock or dockboard.   

• Keep your truck under control at all times. Drive at a 

speed that allows you to stop safely. Be even more 

careful on slippery or uneven surfaces. Do not drive 

over objects on the floor.

• Perform all truck movements smoothly and at a speed 

that will give you time to react in an emergency.

Protect Yourself   4

Know the Hazards

LOOK WHERE YOU'RE DRIVING

Always be alert to the area around you and watch

where you are driving. You could be pinned or crushed 

by objects intruding or poking into the operator area.

When allowing the truck to coast, make certain the

area ahead of you is clear.

AVOID FALLS 

Falls are very serious accidents, you can be crushed or

even killed. The best way to prevent injury is to know

where you are at all times and follow the rules of safe

truck operation. Unless you can safely jump completely 

clear of the falling truck, there is no sure way to avoid 

injury if you drop from a dock or dockboard.

Be extremely careful when working around docks,

dockboards and trailers.

USE YOUR TRUCK SAFELY

• Keep your hands and feet away from all moving parts  

  such as the coupler or wheels.
• Never allow passengers anywhere on the truck.   

   There is no safe place for them.

• Before you leave your truck:
   • Come to a complete stop.
   • Shut the truck off with the key or disconnect    

      the battery.
   • Make certain the brake is applied and the truck will

    not coast.

Stay clear of all 

moving parts.

Moving parts can 

cut or crush hands, 

feet, arms or legs.

WARNING