SAFETY ALERT! Proper Jacking of Vehicles
Incident:
While changing the 4th tire on a water truck in the customer’s yard, the truck slipped off the hydraulic jack, causing it to land on its rear bumper; and causing one employee to fall and strike their head on the ground, resulting in cuts to the forehead. The worker received medical attention but there was no time lost from work.
Findings:
The hydraulic jack was placed in the middle of the axle when lifting, which is not the proper jacking surface.
• A jacking pad was not used.
• Wheel chocks were not used.
Learning Opportunities
• Proper assessment of the task:
– Jacking/lifting of a vehicle with a partial load or on unstable ground can easily move.
– If the vehicle is unstable (i.e. liquid load), lift only one side at a time, so as to have multiple points of contact with the ground.
– Make sure you’re lifting on a stable service.
– Make sure the jacks or jack stands can handle the vehicle’s weight.
– Never jack/lift from the middle of the axle, use the correct jacking point.
– Ensure the use of wheel chocks to stabilize the vehicle.
– Use jack stands in conjunction with hydraulic jacks to improve safety.
Let’s be careful out there!
