5 Safety Tips for Flatbed Truck Operations

Flatbed trucks usually carry heavy, large, and odd-shaped loads. The trucks’ open nature poses safety risks unless you follow the appropriate safety measures. For instance, failure to fasten your cargo appropriately can make goods shift and reduce your truck's stability.

Follow this guide to minimize risks while you load, drive, and unload your flatbed truck.

1. Secure Your Load
   You must first park your truck on favorable ground before you load your goods. Refrain from loading your cargo on a sloped surface, especially if the slope runs from the front of your truck. If you do, items can slide off your trailer, damage property, or injure people. If you cannot find a flat area, adjust any shifts that may happen to your load.
   
   If you fail to fasten your load correctly, your cargo can shift or fall and cause injuries. Use bungee cords, chain binders, heavy tarps, strap winches, or tie-down straps to secure your cargo. If the load securements are not new, check for signs of wear and tear. Then, replace any worn-out or torn fasteners.
   
   If you notice any shift in your load as you drive, find a good place to park and adjust the fastenings. Do not park at the side of the road because a distracted driver may hit you.
   
   Instead, find a gas station or rest stop. If you must stop at the roadside, use high-visibility gear to enhance visibility.
   
   
2. Avoid Slips and Falls
   Here are three tips to ensure you do not slide and topple over.
   
   Check the Environment
   Mud, debris, or ice make surfaces slippery. In turn, your feet lose traction, and you can easily fall. So, check for the items mentioned above around your flatbed truck before you load your items. Clear the space of debris and take extra caution as you load your vehicle if you cannot remove obstacles.
   
   Wear Appropriate Shoes
   You can lose your grip and slip off the slippery surfaces of your trailer. Also, the uneven nature of the load makes you more prone to falls. So, wear the appropriate footwear with slip-resistant soles.
   
   Use Trailer Ladders
   You can get fractures or sprains if you jump out of your flatbed and land in a dangerous position. With a trailer ladder, you reduce the risk of a fall. Besides, you do not have to climb on goods for an inspection. Instead, use the ladder to inspect loads from the side.
   
   
3. Inspect and Maintain Your Flatbed
   Inspect parts like your tires, engine, wheels, and body to spot mishaps that can cause accidents. For example, check your tires for cuts or sharp items that can cause a puncture. Also, confirm that the nuts on your wheels are all present and tight.
   
   Pay extra attention to paint chips or corroded areas in the truck body. Once the body erodes, rust can get into deeper parts of your vehicle. So, fix any rusty surfaces and take measures to prevent reoccurrence. For instance, you can wash your flatbed frequently to remove pollutants that can destroy its paint.
   
   
4. Maintain Weight Limitations
   Your truck has a weight limitation for how much cargo you can carry. The weight, usually stated as gross vehicle weight rating, indicates the maximum acceptable weight to observe at a weigh station. Failure to follow the limits strains your truck and poses safety hazards. Besides, you may be on the wrong side of the authorities and face fines and penalties.
   
   
5. Follow Proper Loading and Unloading Procedure
   Work with a team to get the cargo up or down your truck. Assign roles and confirm that every member understands the responsibilities and safety measures to follow. Also, ensure that every team member positions themselves in a safe space, away from hazards. Finally, communicate when the goods have to move or shift, so everyone can keep out of the way or help as needed.
   
   The above tips give you safety and efficiency as you operate your flatbed. Quality flatbeds make work simpler and safer for you and your team. So, if you want flatbed bodies for your operations, look no further than Diamond Truck Body Manufacturing. You will get durable bodies for your flatbed trucks.