Safe Use of Pallet Truck

This is a film to inform and instruct new workers to a warehouse environment how to use a pallet truck safely and properly. It includes the legal responsibilities to conduct a pre-inspection of the device as well as explaining how it works. Basic offering, moving, pulling, pushing and stopping techniques are explained and demonstrated via images and small film clips. Advice is provided on using a pallet truck on an incline (dock leveller) and in and at the back of a truck and trailer.

[@jwehrman2694]

Thank you, Dan. I liked this video for training.

[@noway2831]

There is a reference to further training for use of rear-mounted pallet-lifting devices -- do you have links to video resources similar to this?

[@pokeyjack4184]

Useful video. I have trouble steering the pallet jack into the pallet. Any tips? I seem to over steer and not able to center the pallet jack.

[@danleetrainingltd]

Hi - to begin with holding the handle straight up against the ‘shoulder’ of the pallet truck and pushing into the pallet is the best way to offer. It means you have to take small ‘pigeon’ steps on the approach but with practice you will get there.

[@walterlutz895]

Is it safer to use two hands or one hand when pulling the pallet jack as shown in the video?

[@danleetrainingltd]

Initial pull is best with two hands but once the pallet jack is moving you can pull with the one hand if it's within your handling capability. I would recommend stopping it with both hands - but don't forget the body weight - pulling and pushing comes from your body weight and your legs - the arms and hands are just force transfer units

[@VishalPatel-rg8xj]

two hands are always advised...just imagine wrong steering into supervisors or colleagues nearby would lead you to what?

[@user-zm4ux7fi3t]

i would question the means of pulling the pallet truck in such a way which would put strain on both the shoulder joints, with the space shown in the video why would you not just push the pallet truck? i understand this is being used on a smooth surface, but should for some reason the surface hit a bump or lock resulting in an immediate stopping of the pallet, your at risk of dislocating one if not both shoulders

[@danleetrainingltd]

Interesting comment Richard - a dislocation of the shoulder joint is not one of the injuries that we see from improper use of a pallet truck, Remember that pallet trucks are to be used on smooth floors (warehouse) and any other type of floor with obstructions should be using a powered industrial truck (PPT / FLT).

[@km6610]

Can you make a video on unloading side pallets tips\tricks? I can't seem to find a good one.

[@juliedelrosario2964]

In the US, OSHA recommends that pallet trucks be pushed. Legs are stronger than the back and shoulders creating ergonomics issues if the pallet truck is pulled. Also I have seen so many times where people go to stop and the pallet truck has so much weight that it doesn't stop running over the employees foot and breaking toes and feet. There were 4 incidents in 1 year at our company. At the site I manage, I require all pallet trucks to be pushed unless maneuvering into tight spots.