Hazard:
Pallet Jacks are commonly used in VSC facilities to move material. These jacks can easily accommodate loads in excess of 5,000 lbs.
However, is 5000 lbs. a safe load to move using this type of manual equipment? Can a heavy load like this adversely affect the users shoulder, wrist or back? VSC warehouse employees have
been injured while maneuvering a pallet jack with loads >500 lbs. In one case the bottom of the wood pallet, holding 650 lbs. of material, that was being moved from the back of a truck became caught on the loading dock. This caused the load to stop suddenly while the employee was walking backward. The force exerted by the operator while manually maneuvering the load and the sudden stopping of the load resulted in a hernia! The employee did not have the forks of the Jack raised to the required highest level to prevent the wood pallet from catching on the edge of the loading dock.
Other hazards associated with Pallet Jacks:
- Dropped load on foot.
- Trips from exposed pallet jack “forks”.
- Foot or ankle caught under load.
- Loads falling off due to damaged wood pallet.
- Pallet striking obstructions on floor.
- Operator exceeding physical ability to maneuver load.
Preventative Measures:
You don’t need a license to use a pallet jack, but there are safety precautions you must follow when operating a pallet jack:
- Inspect the pallet jack in general to ensure it is in good working condition.
- Familiarize yourself with the controls before using the pallet jack and ensure they are undamaged and responsive.
- Check that the route you are taking is clear and free from hazards and uneven surfaces before you begin to move the load.
- If you are carrying a large load that obstructs your view, ask a co-worker to guide you.
- Make sure the load is secure.
- Stack the pallet load so that it will not shift or turn over.
- Never place your feet under the pallet jack.
- Never exceed the manufacturers recommended load capacity.
- When moving a load on an incline or over a ramp reduce the load or seek assistance from a co-worker to help you move it.
- Use proper lifting techniques when loading/unloading and operating the pallet jack.
- Move the load slowly to ensure your safety and anyone around you, in the event that your surroundings change.
- You should always push the load. Never pull the load as pulling places major strain on your shoulder.
- Be wary of pinch points to avoid injuries to your hands.
- Report jacks that have flat spots, cracks in wheels or will not roll well.
- Report jacks with a failing hydraulic unit.
- Never ride or stand on a pallet jack.
- When not in use, pallet jacks are a major trip hazard. Roll jack into an area that does not have pedestrian traffic.
- Clean up wet floors as these slick surfaces can cause slips or falls while pushing a pallet jack.
When operating a pallet jack it is your responsibility as the operator to ensure:
- The pallet jack is in good condition before use.
- You use it in the correct manner to ensure your safety and the safety of the people around you.
- Do not brace or stop a pallet jack with your foot.
- Keep feet out from beneath load.
- Lower the load before working around a pallet.
- Never leave a pallet jack with load elevated.
- Ensure forks are raised to full height before moving a load.
- Keep pallet jack in front of you and walk in reverse when descending a ramp.
- Never yank or throw the handle.
- Wear gloves when handling pallets.
VSC Fire & Security Restrictions on Load Capacity:
To avoid injury while manually maneuvering, the load capacity for pallet trucks will not exceed 250lbs. Material exceeding this weight limit must be handled with a fork lift. Employees are restricted from handling loads below 250lbs. when the load weight exceeds their physical ability to move material.
