FORKLIFT LOADING AND UNLOADING TOOLBOX TALK
Loading areas combine forklift, vehicle and pedestrian movement in one high-risk zone.
Control of load stability, docks, vehicle movement and pedestrian separation.
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Toolbox Topic
FORKLIFT LOADING AND UNLOADING TOOLBOX TALK
Duration
8–10 minutes
Date
Site / Area
Supervisor
Company
Participants
Document No
OBJECTIVE
Prevent overturning, dropped loads, vehicle movement and pedestrian impact during forklift loading and unloading.
WHY IT MATTERS
Forklift stability depends on load weight, load centre and mast position.
Trailer movement can create severe fall or collapse hazards while a forklift is inside.
Failure to separate pedestrians and forklifts increases collision risk.
REALISTIC SITE SCENARIO
A forklift entered a trailer while the driver believed loading was complete.
The trailer began moving with the forklift still at the dock edge.
Wheel chocks, driver communication and a loading-lock system would have prevented the event.
REMEMBER
Do not enter a loading vehicle until it has been secured against movement.
KEY HAZARDS
Forklift overturning.
Loads falling from forks.
Truck or trailer movement.
Dock plate movement.
Pedestrian collision.
Loads blocking visibility.
Overloaded or unstable loads.
Wet or damaged loading surfaces.
CONTROLS
Verify load weight against forklift capacity.
Position the load centre correctly on the forks.
Secure trucks or trailers with wheel chocks or approved systems.
Check dock-plate capacity.
Separate pedestrian and forklift routes.
Use reverse travel or a spotter when visibility is restricted.
Keep forks as low as practical during travel.
Avoid sudden turns on ramps.
Confirm loading surfaces are clean and structurally sound.
Ensure drivers understand not to move until loading is formally complete.
SUPERVISOR MESSAGE
Team, loading safety depends on controlling both the forklift and the vehicle. If the truck or trailer is not secured, loading will not begin.
TEAM QUESTIONS
Is the load within forklift capacity?
Is the vehicle secured?
Is the dock plate suitable?
Are pedestrian routes separated?
Is visibility adequate?
Has the driver been briefed?
FIELD VERIFICATION
Forklift capacity suitable
Load stable
Vehicle secured
Wheel chocks installed
Dock plate suitable
Pedestrian routes separated
Visibility adequate
Surface sound
Driver briefed
Crew briefed
ATTENDANCE AND APPROVAL
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Supervisor Signature
HSE Approval
SERNEM HSE Resource – Permit conditions, risk assessments and site procedures take priority.