Many temporary loading sites, small distribution points and outdoor storage yards do not have installed dock levellers, forming a height difference and small inclined angle between the ground and the trailer carriage bottom, which brings extra hidden risks for electric forklift operators to complete trailer loading work. Following standardized, strict operation processes can effectively avoid common accidents such as sideslip, rollover and cargo falling during operation.

First, complete full pre-operation checks before starting any work. Operators need to confirm the trailer is fully fixed with reliable wheel chocks on both sides, and the trailer parking brake is fully engaged to prevent accidental sliding during forklift entry and exit. Next, measure the actual height difference and inclined angle between the ground and trailer floor, confirm the data is within the rated climbing and load-bearing range of the applied electric forklift. Inspect the forklift’s brake system, warning buzzer, headlight and fork fixing structure to make sure all parts work in normal condition, check the remaining battery power to avoid sudden power loss in the middle of the trailer carriage. Operators also need to inspect the trailer’s inner floor, remove all accumulated sundries, oil stains and water on the surface, and confirm the carriage floor has no obvious cracks or damaged sections that cannot bear the forklift’s full weight.

Second, follow core operation rules strictly during the whole loading process. Keep the cargo carried on forks at a low position, 3 to 5 centimeters above the ground level, when driving the forklift to enter the trailer carriage, maintain the travelling speed no more than the specified low speed limit in the loading area, never perform sudden acceleration, sudden steering or emergency braking actions. Adjust the cargo position to make the gravity center of the whole load stay as low as possible, keep the cargo stably lean against the backrest of the forklift carriage, do not carry unbalanced, overheight or overweight cargo beyond the rated load. When the forklift moves close to the far end of the trailer carriage, slow down in advance and confirm the remaining available space, do not drive the forklift beyond the loadable area of the trailer floor. A trained on-site supervisor should stand at a visible safe position outside the operation radius to give necessary reminder to operators, and all unrelated personnel are forbidden to enter the working area during the whole process.

Third, finish standardized post-operation steps and daily risk prevention. After completing all loading tasks, operators should drive the electric forklift slowly and fully out of the trailer to the designated safe parking area, then the on-site staff can remove the wheel chocks and release the trailer’s fixed state. Regular targeted safety training for forklift operators on no-dock-leveller loading scenarios can help staff form good operation habits, effectively reduce the occurrence of avoidable safety accidents in daily material handling work.