When we are training our drivers regarding safety, one area that is often overlooked is the safe operation of the liftgate. Like any other piece of powered, automated equipment, drivers must learn to safely operate liftgates. There are numerous types of liftgates, and each may have its own unique hazards. Liftgates are potentially hazardous and should only be used by employees who have been trained or familiarized to operate them safely. Common injuries include amputated fingers and toes; crushed feet; a runaway load that falls over or off the liftgate onto an employee trying to steady it either next to or below the load. It is always important to read the specific manual for your make and model, however, here are some Best Practices safety tips for liftgate operation.

LIFTGATE SAFETY: DOs and DON’Ts

DO:

Make sure all drivers or operators of the liftgate are properly trained before being allowed to operate the liftgate.
Be certain vehicle is properly and securely braked before using the lift gate.
Choose a level surface area whenever possible to operate the gate.
Consider the safety and location of bystanders and location of nearby objects when operating the liftgate. Stand to one side of platform while operating the liftgate.
Make sure the platform surface is clear of ice, snow, and is kept slip resistant.
Keep hands and feet clear of all pinch points. There is a shear or pinch point exposure during lift-gate operations. Take note of where the lift-gate and the truck bed meet. Feet and hands are particularly vulnerable, during raising and lowering of the lift-gate.
Use chocks to prevent loads from rolling off the gate.
Secure top-heavy loads with strapping to prevent the item from tipping or rolling off.
Correctly stow platform when not in use. Extended platforms could create a hazard for people and vehicles passing by.
Make certain platform is properly latched when in transit.
Operate the lift gate with the control switches only.
Read and follow WARNING DECALS, OPERATION DECALS and OWNER’S MANUAL.
Visually inspect the lift gate daily as part of your pre-trip inspection.
Write up any defects to the liftgate on your daily vehicle inspection report and report to Idealease maintenance personnel immediately.
Tell Idealease maintenance personnel when adjustment to the liftgate is needed.
Keep all decals in place and legible and retain the Owner’s Manual in the Vehicle.

DON’T:

Allow the lift gate to be used by persons not familiar with its operation.
Use the lift-gate for any purpose other than to lift or lower cargo from the truck. Never use lift-gates as a personnel lift.
Use the lift gate if unit shows signs of abuse or fails to operate freely.
Permit the motor to run after the lift gate is raised to bed level.
Overload the lift gate. (Refer to the capacity chart for proper capacity of lift gate.)
Allow any part of your body to be placed under, within, or around any portion of the moving liftgate or its mechanisms, or in a position that would trap them between the platform and the floor of truck body (or between platform and the ground) when liftgate is operating.
Drive a forklift on the liftgate platform.
Drive with the lift-gate down. It must be folded up and secured before the truck moves.

In addition, all our Idealease preferred liftgate suppliers have safe operating videos available.
Maxon www.maxonlift.com
Anthony www.anthonyliftgates.com
Waltco www.hiab.com/en-us/products/liftgates
Palfinger www.palfinger.com/en-us/products/liftgates