Unloading Trailers Toolbox Talk

Unloading Trailers Safety Talk

There are many different tasks that workers must complete on construction sites, including the transportation of heavy equipment, tools, and materials. As a construction worker, you’ve probably unloaded many trailers, but have you ever considered the safety risks while doing so?

Although it doesn't seem like the most dangerous task, it’s best to preplan and follow safety guidelines when unloading a trailer to help prevent common injuries.

Put a plan in place for unloading trailers

Workers who are tasked with unloading a trailer containing heavy materials, equipment, or tools should plan ahead to make sure they perform the work in the safest way possible. There are several key points that need to be considered, communicated, and planned for prior to the truckload arriving.

These points include the following.

The load

Before a load arrives onsite, there should be communication with the assigned crew members to let them know what it is they will be unloading and making sure they are prepared. They may need special equipment or tools in order to move the delivered items off the truck, or they may need to make room for safe storage.

Good communication will help prevent confusion and delays at the time of delivery.

Driver expectations

Communication is not only important for the crew unloading the trailer, but for the truck driver as well.

Drivers should know what's expected of them when they arrive. This includes:

• Where they need to go for unloading

• The speed limit on-site

• The time the delivery needs to be made

• If they need escorts

• Whether PPE should be worn

• Truck requirements

• Trailer requirements

• Contact info in case of problems

• Hazards that may be present

You can communicate all of these items with a journey management planning document. If you organize this information in a standardized format, you can print it out and get a signature from drivers to ensure they have read all its contents. Drivers can also ask any questions they may have before arriving and can be sure they understand the safety regulations that should be followed on your construction site.

Unloading trailers and common hazards

There are many hazards on a construction site. Before a scheduled delivery, be aware of the following details:

• Worksite setup

• Equipment in the area

• Type of trailer

• What you'll be unloading

There may be specific hazards associated with the work area in which you are unloading a trailer or the materials you are handling. The most common hazards to be aware of are described in the following sections.

Pinch point hazards

Pinch point hazards are the most common hazards you'll encounter when lifting objects or staging materials onsite. If you pay close attention to your surroundings and where you are placing items or your hands while you are unloading, lifting, or moving, you can better avoid these types of injuries.

Caught-in or between hazards

In order to unload heavy items or mass quantities of materials, you may need to use heavy equipment. Using heavy equipment will help you avoid lifting injuries and safely get materials off of a trailer. However, there is a risk that you or another worker will get caught in or between moving pieces of equipment or machinery.

Caught-in or between incidents can occur due to many different reasons. If there are workers around you while using heavy equipment, make sure everyone is aware of where you will be going and how you will be using it. That way they can pay close attention and stay far out of the way.

Slip, trip, and fall hazards

It is so easy to slip, trip, or fall when unloading or stepping on or off a trailer. A good way to help prevent these instances is to keep your work area clean.

When you are unloading, try to keep objects and tools out of the direct walking path. That way there are fewer items in the way to potentially trip and fall over.

Slips, trips, and falls can result in serious injuries.

Struck-by hazards

Struck-by instances are one of the biggest concerns on construction sites. On a busy site, workers are at risk of being struck and injured by heavy equipment when it is in use. Structures and objects may also be struck and damaged.

When you are unloading a trailer, conduct an inspection of the work area first. That way you'll be more aware of your surroundings before you start unloading or operating any equipment. Any other workers helping you unload need to be aware of the work area as well, especially when heavy equipment is in use.

What are delivery drivers' responsibilities?

The delivery driver is responsible for knowing the route to your location and the rules to follow when onsite. They will not unload your materials for you—that is the crew members' responsibility.

However, drivers are required to follow all the precautions and rules that you laid out for them before arriving. Again, it's important to provide that information to drivers as a written document, that they can sign and formally acknowledge.

Safety comes first

When it comes to working on a construction site, safety should be your number one concern. The heavy equipment, tools, and materials that are used in construction can be very dangerous when not treated properly.

This includes when completing tasks like unloading trailers. Take all tasks seriously, and act in the best interests of yourself and your fellow workers.