Safe Use of Hand Carts and Dollies

• Strains from overloaded or poorly balanced carts
• Loads falling or shifting during movement
• Pinch points between carts, walls, doors, and materials
• Trips or loss of control on uneven surfaces
• Blocked visibility while pushing or pulling
• Runaway carts on ramps, slopes, or dock plates

Hand carts and dollies can reduce lifting strain, but they can also cause injuries when they are overloaded, poorly balanced, damaged, or moved through unsafe paths.

The cart or dolly should match the load. Workers should consider the weight, size, shape, center of gravity, surface conditions, and whether the load needs to be secured before moving it.

Loads should be balanced and stable. Tall, leaning, loose, or overhanging loads can shift, fall, or block visibility while the worker is moving.

Workers should inspect carts and dollies before use. Damaged wheels, loose handles, cracked frames, missing straps, or poor brakes can make the equipment hard to control.

The travel path should be checked before movement. Cords, hoses, thresholds, gravel, potholes, wet floors, ramps, stairs, dock plates, and tight corners can all create hazards.

Workers should keep hands and feet clear of pinch points. Door frames, walls, shelving, equipment, pallets, and truck beds can trap fingers or toes when a cart shifts or turns.

Ramps and slopes require extra control. Heavy loads can pull the worker downhill, tip, or become difficult to stop if the cart is not designed or positioned correctly.

Safe cart and dolly use means using the equipment as a control, not creating a new hazard. Inspect it, load it correctly, secure the material, and move at a controlled pace.

• Use the right cart or dolly for the load.
• Do not exceed the equipment’s safe capacity.
• Balance and secure loads before moving.
• Inspect wheels, handles, straps, frames, and brakes.
• Check the travel path before starting.
• Keep hands and feet clear of pinch points.
• Use extra caution on ramps, slopes, and dock plates.

• Is the cart or dolly rated and suitable for this load?
• Is the load balanced, stable, and secured?
• Can the worker see the path of travel?
• Are there ramps, thresholds, cords, or uneven surfaces in the route?
• Could hands or feet be pinched during movement or placement?