VEHICLE LOADING

& UNLOADING
Truck loading and unloading is a daily activity

assist you in your efforts to develop an effective loss control program. However, PLM/ILM

program or accident prevention program developed based upon the material presented
application to specific factual situations or for the ultimate effectiveness of a loss control
in many businesses. It is also a regular source

The information and suggestions contained in this guideline have been developed from

accepts no legal responsibility for the correctness or completeness of this material or its

TOGETHER WERE BETTER.

sources believed to be reliable. PLM/ILM Loss Control Representatives are available to
of injuries to the driver, workers and visitors.
There have been numerous losses caused by
improper loading and unloading practices.
Employers have a responsibility to ensure they

VEHICLE LOADING
maintain a safe working environment. Forklift

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS.
operators are also responsible for the safety of

PENNSYLVANIA LUMBERMENS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY

& UNLOADING
others in the unloading area.

INDIANA LUMBERMENS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY

Many losses stem from materials falling off
trucks and injuring drivers who are in close PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS
proximity to the vehicle during loading or
unloading operations. This usually happens
when a forklift operator is loading/unloading
the materials from the opposite side of the

in this guideline.
truck from where the driver may be standing.
The forklift operator does not have clear sight
of the driver and in most cases is not even
aware that the driver is on the opposing side
of the vehicle. Pieces of lumber or even entire
loads of materials can fall off the vehicle and
DEPARTMENT AT PLM/ILM, 800.752.1895
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT

strike the driver. This often results in serious

THIS BROCHURE IS PROVIDED AS A

personal injuries.
2005 MARKET STREET, SUITE 1200
THE LOSS CONTROL SERVICES

PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-7008

WEB WWW.PLMILM.COM
ONE COMMERCE SQUARE

Accidents of this type can be easily prevented

by establishing clear procedures in regards to
MAIN 800.752.1895
FAX 215.625.9097
SERVICE BY PLM/ILM.

loading/unloading.

PENNSYLVANIA LUMBERMENS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY

PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS INDIANA LUMBERMENS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY

ESTABLISH A LOADING/ GUIDELINES FOR LOADING/UNLOADING
UNLOADING AREA: FORKLIFT OPERATORS CHECKLIST
Area should be level to help maintain stability Operating a forklift should be limited to individuals GENERAL YES NO
of the truck and trailer. The ground should be who are trained and qualified to do so, including 1. Is the truck/trailer correctly positioned and
level?
free of potholes and debris. general forklift safety topics and equipment specific
Area should be free of overhead electric lines. training. Initial training should be completed prior 2. A
 re wheel chocks in place?

to authorization of the driver to operate the forklift. 3. Is there any damage to the truck or trailier?
Area should be clear of other traffic vehicles Refresher training should be completed every three 4. A
 re the appropriate people and equipment
or foot. Pedestrians, the truck driver, or other years and following any forklift-related accident, available for loading/unloading?
employees not involved in the loading/ property damage or near-miss incident. 5. D
 oes the product require special lifts or a
crane to handle the load?
unloading process should be clear of the area.
Have a clear understanding of the material being 6. A
 re load straps in good condition (not frayed,
Area should have sufficient lighting for early loaded/unloaded. Unloading a bunk of 2x4 is
worn or torn)?

morning or evening loading or unloading. different from unloading laminated beams or a LOADING YES NO
If possible, the designated area should be a pallet of roof shingles. 1. H
 as the driver been moved to the company
one-way route to prevent the need for vehicles Check the load Make sure that the load has not safe zone?
to back up. If a driver is required to back the shifted, banding is still in place, and the overall
2. A
 re all helpers in sight of the forklift/crane
operator?
vehicle, a spotter should be used to protect load is in good condition and not likely to move or 3. A
 re the load restraints suitable to secure
pedestrians and property. fall during the unloading process. the load?
4. D
 oes the total weight of the cargo exceed the
No one, including other workers, should be on the trucks carrying capacity?
GUIDELINES FOR opposite side of a truck from a forklift while it is 5. Is the load well packed in the appropriate
TRUCK DRIVERS: moving material. packaging?
6. Is documentation completed for all cargo
EMPOWER your forklift driver to stop the loading/ being dispatched?
When unloading, the driver should proceed to
unloading process if the location of the truck driver 7. H
 as the driver double-checked all restraints
the designated area and remove tarps, straps for specific load requirements?
cannot be confirmed or someone else enters the
or other load securement devices. Secure this
loading/unloading zone.
material so it is not an obstruction to the forklift UNLOADING YES NO
operator during the unloading process. 1. Has any freight moved while in transit?
2. A
 re all items effectively secured to a pallet,
The driver should secure vehicle, apply cradle or flatbed trailer?
brakes and turn off engine, as appropriate, to 3. A
 re top-loaded items stable?
prevent unsafe movement during the loading/ 4. C
 ould any freight move or become unstable
unloading operation. when the load restraints are removed?
5. H
 as the driver been moved to the company
The driver should proceed to a designated area safe zone?
(safe zone) located away from the truck and 6. A
 re all helpers in sight of the forklift/crane
operator?
outside of the loading/unloading area. The driver
should remain in that area during the operation.
After reviewing this checklist you should add any other items
NO material should be loaded/unloaded, nor While loading/unloading of material is an everyday
unique to your facility. This is just a sample of a checklist
should any forklifts be operating in the area activity at most operations, safety cannot be taken and how to organize it to make sure you are thorough in
around the truck until the driver has completed for granted. It is managements responsibility safeguarding your business against loading/unloading hazards.
all of the tasks above and moved to the to ensure that proper training and safe loading/ For further information, contact the Loss Control Services
designated safe zone. unloading procedures are in place and enforced. Department of PLM/ILM at 800.752.1895.