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Log Truck Safety Tips

Logging trucks are used to transport harvested timber from the site to various destinations. Several safety hazards are possible during loading, unloading and driving the truck. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) outlined several requirements to help make these tasks safer. These include specific loading procedures, securing the load before transport and making sure that employees are adequately trained. Follow these tips to help keep workers safe from injury and accidents from occurring.

  1. Personnel

    • The loading area around the log truck should be limited to those who are necessary to the operation. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration requires that no person should stay in the truck's cab as logs are lifted over the top of it. The only exception is when the business owner determines that someone must be in the cab. When this occurs, the individual has to be protected from possible falling logs, such as having the truck's cab reinforced.

    The Load

    • Logs should be stacked lower than the height of the stakes.

      Logs should be loaded onto the truck in an organized manner and placed so that they won't slip once the truck is on the road. Tie downs should be securely strapped over the load along with lines that keep the logs tightly in place until unloaded. These tie downs can include metal cables, chains or webbing that is laid over the logs and secured in place. Stakes are also used to hold the load in place. The logs cannot be loaded higher than the stakes. The driver also needs to double check that all tie downs are secure before driving.

    The Danger Zones

    • There are key danger zones that workers must stay clear of when a truck is being loaded. One area is directly behind, on each side and in front of the cab. When the truck is parked, the log decks are located to the direct right and left of the truck. The loader moves logs from the deck to the truck's trailer, and anyone standing in between is in danger if the log is dropped. The other two areas to avoid are those to the right and left of the trailer that are behind each log deck. OSHA requires that if any worker is in a danger zone, no logs may be loaded onto the truck.

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