August 2023 Purposeful Observation
August’s Purposeful Observation Focus is Tipping/Falling Freight. LTL Carriers ship a wide variety of freight and trailers are necessarily loaded to maximize capacity.
While freight is secured to prevent damage in transit, it is very common for freight to shift in transit. Unsecured freight may present an injury risk to all employees. Cartons stacked to ceiling level may tip and fall. Tall and narrow crates or doors may tip when securement devices are removed. All employees who handle freight must recognize the hazards and follow the Five Keys to prevent injuries from falling or tipping freight.
5 Keys to Tipping or Falling Freight
Identify the type of freight that may tip or fall.
Cartons stacked to the ceiling, tall narrow crates, double stacked pallets or appliances must be secured to prevent tipping or falling. Recognize the type of freight and the visual clues that indicate freight may tip or fall.
Use caution when opening trailer doors.
Always open both swing doors and roll up doors cautiously. Unsecured freight may have shifted, tipped or fallen against the door while in transit.
Never turn your back on unsecured freight.
Most injuries resulting from falling freight occur because of being surprised. Be aware of unsecured freight, don’t get surprised! When unloading freight, beware of the loose items behind it.
Stabilize freight before removing securement.
Freight is commonly secured by rope, straps, load bars, Kinedyne bars or other securement devices. Any time a securement device is removed, the freight must first be stabilized to prevent tipping or falling. Do not attempt to catch or stop extremely heavy freight from falling, get out of the way.
Ask for help.
If freight cannot be stabilized prior to releasing securement devices, ask coworkers for assistance to secure the freight and prevent tipping or falling.
