Lumber Yard & Building Supply Workers
A lumber yard has tall stacks of heavy material, forklifts and delivery trucks, with customers walking among them. Falling loads, vehicles and lifting injuries are the main dangers.
- Yard Workers
- Drivers
- Retail Staff
Hazards
- Falling lumber and collapsing stacks from unstable piles, cut bands and overloaded racks. See Racking Inspection.
- Forklifts and delivery vehicles: struck-by and run-over. See Forklifts.
- Trucks and trailers: loading and unloading hazards. See Loading & Unloading Trucks With Cranes and Flatbeds.
- Banding and strapping: cut straps whip and spring; sharp edges.
- Saws and cutting stations used to cut lumber and sheet goods. See Table Saw.
- Heavy lifting and awkward loads. See Lifting Ergonomics.
- Falls from stacks, trailers and ladders.
- Dust, noise, weather and customers.
Stacking and storage
- Stack on firm, level ground with stickers (spacers) and keep stacks stable with proper limits on height
- Do not climb stacks; use ladders or lifts
- Store long items on racks designed for them. Do not overload racks or exceed rated capacity
- Cut bands carefully, away from the body, with the stack secured; wear eye protection and gloves
- Keep aisles clear and mark them
Vehicles and customers
- Separate pedestrians from vehicles: use barriers, marked walkways, signs and escorts for customers in the yard.
- Use spotters when backing trucks and forklifts. See Backing & Spotters.
- Forklift operators must be trained and keep loads low and stable.
- Secure loads on customer vehicles with straps; do not load while the vehicle is moving. Tell customers how to tie down and flag long loads.
- Drivers should chock wheels and stay in a safe place during unloading.
- Wear high-visibility clothing, steel-toe boots, gloves and hearing protection near saws.
Standards & references
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