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Delivering packages on a hand truck is nothing new. Drivers have depended on hand trucks to make delivering bulky or heavy items easier for decades. Seems simple but like anything else in the workplace, there is potential for personal injury if not used correctly. These risks are greatly reduced if you follow a few basic principles. |  |
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Always start by choosing the correct hand truck for the type of deliveries you make. The right tools and accessories can improve the safety and efficiency of deliveries. From standard two-wheel aluminium hand trucks to the powered four-wheel Powered Gemini ®, Magline offers the safe delivery solution.
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Hand trucks with brakes are perfect for moving packages on inclines or ramps. They allow you to control the load better which is safer and easier on your back.
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Convertible hand trucks, those that transform from a hand truck to a platform truck, allow you to move more volume faster. These trucks save trips and are safer for larger, heavier loads.
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An accessory bag attached to a hand truck provides a secure place to carry hand-held computers, pencils, and other supplies.
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Powered hand trucks are a benefit to drivers in high volume delivery situations that include: inclines, long distances, rough terrain and stairs.
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The weight of a hand truck can vary by as much as 30 pounds! Hand trucks weight can make a significant difference on driver stress and fatigue. Drivers use muscles, slowly causing degeneration. Most injuries don’t happen from one-time occurrences – they happen from repetitive movements over time so even a few pounds can make a big difference.
The average package delivery driver will lift nearly 12,000 pounds less per year by selecting a hand truck just three pounds lighter. And you don’t have to give up strength to enjoy the benefits of a lighter truck. There are quality hand trucks made of light weight aluminum/magnesium components available. These trucks represent the best strength-to-weight ratio for drivers.
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Before you begin your workday, always inspect your hand truck. An inspection takes only a few minutes but can save you time and inconvenience later.
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Conduct a general overview – look for any bent or broken parts and repair or replace immediately
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Check the tires – look for wear and check to be sure they are properly inflated (if pneumatic tires)
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Review fasteners – tighten any loose bolts
Maintenance is important to your safety and the longevity of your hand truck. Never use a hand truck that isn’t in proper working order. If you use a broken hand truck you risk damaging your load and more importantly, you risk injuring yourself or others.
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To avoid accidents and prevent damage to your hand truck, always make sure to fasten it securely inside your truck with a strap or other device.
Remember to take care entering your truck. Look down and around your truck for wet or slippery surfaces. Use the truck’s hand grips. This seems pretty basic but because you will enter your truck repeatedly throughout the day, it can cause back problems and strains if done incorrectly.
The same is true for exiting your truck. Look down for slippery conditions and use your hand grips. Step down; don’t jump. The impact from jumping puts undo stress on your spine, knees and muscles – and increases the risk of falling.
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Once you arrive at your destination, determine the best path. Everyone wants to take the shortest route but sometimes, to avoid traffic or an unsafe surface, you might need to go a little bit out of your way.
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Make sure your path is clear and check for uneven surfaces like cracks, holes, and curbs.
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Take note of high traffic areas and watch out for people and vehicles.
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Check for blind corners and doors that you may need to prop open or those that open toward you.
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Move obstacles out of your way if possible.
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When it comes to loading your hand truck, little details can make a big difference. Stacking items properly can prevent package damage and make a safer, more secure load.
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Stack your load one item at a time centering each piece so the load is balanced and stable. A stable load is easier to control.
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Don’t forget your lifting basics. Use your legs, not your back. Never twist with your back, turn with your feet instead.
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Never stack your load above eye level. Blocking your vision can cause you to spill your load injuring yourself or others.
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Put the heavy items on the bottom; lighter items on top. Proper loading protects the lighter items from being crushed and creates a more balanced load.
Overloading or incorrectly loading a hand truck can cause you to spill your load, damaging packages, and endangering yourself and others. Making an additional trip may be faster than spending time cleaning up fallen packages.
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