WHAT’S AT STAKE?

It’s a rare workplace that doesn’t have some sort of handcart for moving stock and equipment. From wheelbarrows and furniture carts to dollies and pallet jacks, handcarts help do a job better and faster, and they help to prevent back injuries caused by lifting heavy items.

WHAT’S THE DANGER?

Compared to a piece of heavy equipment, a handcart doesn’t seem like one of the big dangers of the workplace. But anyone who has ever operated one for any length of time will tell you there are a surprising number of ways to be injured.

Hazards include:

• Struck by falling loads.
• Back strain if you move the handcart the wrong way or lift materials incorrectly.
• Cuts and pinch points.
• Foot injuries from hand trucks running over your foot.
• Injuries caused when an operator loses control of the handcart on an incline.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

9 Easy Ways to Safely Operate a Handcart

1. Inspect to Protect

•  Is it in good mechanical condition overall?
• Are the brakes working?
• Tag and place faulty equipment out of service.

2. Safe Stack

• Keep the center of gravity low by putting heavier objects on the bottom.
• Use strapping to hold a load in place.
• Keep load height low enough so you have a clear view ahead.
• Don’t exceed the weight capacity.

3. Pay Attention!

• Keep your feet clear of the wheels, even when loading.
• Stay alert to pinch point hazards to prevent injuries to your hands.
• Stick to designated traffic lanes, and stop and look at intersections.

4. Riding Not Allowed

• Don’t ride on a cart made for a walking operator.
• Never carry passengers.

5. Push It!

• Unless the cart is designed for pulling, push it.
• It’s easier on your back!

6. Loading and Unloading

• Bend your knees instead of your back.
• Don’t pick up more than you can easily handle.

7. Smooth Operator

• Keep the handcart ahead of you when going down a hill.
• Stay away from the edges of loading docks or other platforms.
• Make sure the dock plate and landing strip are wide enough to accommodate the cart’s wheels.

8. PPE Please

•  Wear your PPE- gloves and safety shoes, and other PPE required to protect against the material being handled and other hazards.

9. Free Parking

• Park and store handcarts where they will not create tripping hazards.
• Don’t block exits or emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers.

FINAL WORD

Just as its name implies, a handcart is a handy piece of equipment. Following a few simple tips can help you use them safely.