A box truck is often used to transport large amounts of materials, and when you are in the process of unloading a box truck, there are safety strategies that you should employ to make sure there are no injuries and no damage to the product being unloaded. Establish safe habits when it comes to unloading a box truck, and make safety a part of your regular procedures. After a while, the ability to safely and efficiently unload a box truck will become almost become second nature to you.

Preparation

Make sure the truck is level prior to unloading it. If you have the truck at an angle, the contents may begin to move as you unload them, and this could cause a safety hazard. Make sure the back of the truck is as close as possible to the loading dock to allow easy and safe movement from the truck to the building.

If there is no loading dock, be sure to use a ramp that is securely attached to the back of the truck. Do not attempt to unload a box truck by handing heavy and large items down from the back of the truck. If there is ice on the ground, be sure to spread salt around the tires to allow them the chance to melt the ice and grip on to the pavement. put parking blocks behind the tires to hold the vehicle in place, and be sure the engine is turned off before you begin to unload.

Safety Gear

When you are unloading a box truck, it can be difficult to tell where the next danger may come from. That is why it is important to wear the proper safety gear before you get to work. Use thick leather safety gloves to protect your hands and goggles to protect your eyes. If you are unloading hazardous materials, follow the unloading instructions on the material handling sheet to find out exactly what kind of safety gloves and goggles you should be wearing. Wear steel-toed boots on to protect your feet, and make sure you are wearing a long-sleeved shirt and long pants to protect your skin. Wear a back brace if you will be lifting heavier items to help protect your back from injury.

Work Together

Always know where the other members of your team are when unloading a box truck. If you are using a crane or a forklift to unload, be sure a qualified person is operating the equipment and that everyone stays a safe distance from the equipment when it is in use. Communicate to each other constantly to be aware of what everyone is doing and where everyone is. Do not attempt to lift or move heavy items on your own; always ask for assistance to move larger items.