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 fixed objects, or 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 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