Safe Use of Dollies
A safety talk focused on dolly hazards, including load stability, weight limits, visibility, pinch points, ramps, uneven surfaces, and preventing strains.
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Key Hazards
- Loads shifting or falling during movement
- Strains from overloaded or poorly balanced loads
- Pinched fingers or toes during loading and unloading
- Loss of control on ramps, curbs, thresholds, or uneven floors
- Blocked visibility from tall or oversized loads
- Collisions with pedestrians, doors, racks, or equipment
2–3 Minute Talk Script
Dollies can reduce manual lifting, but they can still create injuries if loads are too heavy, unstable, or moved through unsafe paths.
Workers should inspect the dolly before use. Wheels, handles, frame, platform, straps, brakes, and any load supports should be in good condition.
The load should be centered, balanced, and within the dolly’s rated capacity. A load that leans or shifts can fall or pull the worker off balance.
Workers should secure loads when needed. Tall, loose, round, or stacked items may require straps, wrap, or another control.
The travel path should be checked before movement. Doorways, thresholds, ramps, wet floors, cords, gravel, slopes, and tight corners can affect control.
Visibility matters. Workers should not move loads that block the path ahead unless a spotter or different method is used.
Hands and feet should stay clear of pinch points when loading, unloading, turning, or passing through doorways.
Safe dolly use depends on inspection, load control, clear travel paths, slow movement, and using help when the load is too large or unstable.
Safety Reminders
- Inspect dollies before use.
- Keep loads centered and balanced.
- Do not exceed rated capacity.
- Secure unstable loads.
- Check the travel path before moving.
- Use a spotter if visibility is blocked.
- Keep hands and feet clear of pinch points.
Ask the Crew
- Is the dolly in safe condition?
- Is the load stable and within capacity?
- Can the worker see the travel path?
- Are ramps, thresholds, or uneven surfaces part of the route?
- Would a second person or different equipment be safer?