During many years of work in the grain handling industry, numerous incidents at truck receiving areas have seriously injured or killed workers.
Consider these 10 safe work practices that can greatly reduce hazards during truck dump operations
Wear the appropriate PPE based on the hazards. This may include wearing safety glasses, a particulate filtering face piece respirator (dust mask), work gloves, hearing protection and high-visibility or reflective clothing.
Enforce the Company’s “No Smoking” policy near grain receiving areas. Lit cigarettes may ignite combustible dust.
Be cautious when crossing in front of or between trucks. Keep adequate clearance and communicate with the driver (verbal or visual). Follow your Company’s clearance distance requirements.
Ensure that the driver sets the truck’s brakes once the trailer is properly positioned over the receiving pit. This will help prevent inadvertent movement during unloading.
Follow your Company’s policy regarding drivers. The policy may require them to exit the truck and stand in a designated area or stay in their truck during the unloading process.
Inspect the hopper gate handle prior to use. Look for sharp edges or burrs that may cause cuts or lacerations.
Maintain proper body mechanics when opening the hopper gate. Grasp the handle firmly and operate it slowly. Keep the feet shoulder width apart, back straight, and bend at the knees.
Proper body mechanics may prevent back and shoulder injuries.
When directing the movement of the truck, stay in a designated area that is out of the path of the moving truck. Stand in an area visible to the driver.
Avoid walking on surfaces covered with grain. These areas will be slippery and may cause slips and falls.
Remember: if you cannot see the driver in the mirror, they cannot see you. Maintain communication with the driver at all times.
Fore more information, contact Safety Made Simple at 944-8SAFETY or safetymadesimple.com.