Electric pallet trucks are widely used for short-distance material transportation in warehouse, retail distribution and manufacturing scenarios, and pinch-point injuries rank among the most common non-fatal operation injuries related to this equipment. Most of such injuries occur due to unrecognized hidden hazards in work sites, non-standard operation habits or insufficient pre-operation preparation, and can be effectively avoided with targeted standardized management.

Before starting the equipment, all operators need to complete full hazard checks covering both the device and the work area. First, inspect all moving connection parts of the pallet truck, including the junction between forks and lifting frames, walking wheel and vehicle body, to confirm no abnormal protrusion or loose parts that may cause unexpected clamping. Then clear the planned operation path, remove scattered sundries, and mark the areas with protruding shelf corners or narrow passages in advance. Operators should wear well-fitted work uniforms to avoid loose cuffs or hanging fabric that may be caught by moving parts, put on non-slip work shoes, and take off all loose ornaments such as hanging bracelets to reduce unexpected risk factors.

During the whole operation process, maintain correct body posture and standardized operation habits. Never place hands or fingers on the gap between lifting components when the electric pallet truck is powered on. When steering or moving the equipment, keep your standing position outside the gap between the vehicle body and fixed facilities such as shelves or walls, to prevent feet from being squeezed by misplaced vehicle movement. Do not stretch your hands to adjust the stacking position of goods when the forks are lifting or descending, and wait until the forks are completely stationary and locked to make relevant adjustments. It is also necessary to confirm no unrelated personnel stay within 1 meter of the operation radius at any time during the working process.

Enterprises can also carry out regular safety awareness training for front-line operators, share unhurt near-miss cases in daily work to deepen staff’s recognition of potential pinch-point hazards, and post obvious warning signs at typical high-risk pinch areas in the work site. Arrange regular routine maintenance for all electric pallet trucks to ensure the original safety protection structure and limit devices work in normal state, and do not allow any unauthorized modification to the safety components of the equipment.