Material deliveries are a regular part of construction work, but they can quickly create dangerous situations if they are not properly managed. Large trucks, forklifts, cranes, and workers moving around the same area increase the risk of struck-by incidents, dropped loads, and traffic conflicts. Tight spaces and changing site conditions make these risks even greater.
This talk focuses on how crews can safely manage deliveries on the jobsite. Proper planning, clear communication, and controlled unloading areas help protect workers, drivers, and equipment while keeping materials moving safely and efficiently.
Why This Matters
- Delivery trucks and heavy equipment create blind spots that can hide nearby workers.
- Uncontrolled unloading zones increase the risk of workers being struck by equipment or falling materials.
- Proper planning helps prevent congestion when multiple trades are working in the same area.
- Safe delivery practices reduce damage to materials and equipment.
- Controlled deliveries help maintain safe traffic flow throughout the jobsite.
Common Hazards
- Workers walking through active delivery or unloading zones.
- Drivers backing trucks without a spotter in tight jobsite areas.
- Unstable or improperly secured loads shifting during unloading.
- Forklifts, telehandlers, or cranes operating near pedestrian traffic.
- Material stacked too high or placed in unstable locations.
- Poor communication between drivers, equipment operators, and ground crews.
- Delivery vehicles blocking emergency routes or access points.
- Multiple trucks arriving at the same time without a coordinated delivery plan.
Safety Checklist
Before Work Begins
- Identify designated delivery and unloading zones on the jobsite.
- Make sure routes for trucks are clear of obstacles and overhead hazards.
- Assign a trained spotter to guide vehicles when backing or maneuvering in tight areas.
- Confirm that unloading equipment such as forklifts or cranes are ready and inspected.
- Communicate delivery schedules to crews working nearby.
- Set up barricades or cones to keep pedestrians away from active unloading zones.
During Work
- Keep workers clear of trucks, forklifts, and lifting operations.
- Maintain eye contact or clear signals between drivers, operators, and spotters.
- Never stand between a vehicle and a fixed object while it is moving.
- Ensure loads are stable before removing straps, chains, or securing devices.
- Unload materials slowly and maintain control of the load at all times.
- Stack materials securely and keep access routes clear.
Crew Talking Points
- Where are the designated delivery and unloading areas on this site?
- Do we have any scheduled deliveries that crews need to prepare for today?
- Who will act as the spotter when trucks are backing or maneuvering?
- Are pedestrian routes separated from delivery zones?
- Where should materials be placed once they are unloaded?
- What hazards exist around today’s delivery area?
- Speak up if you see unsafe delivery activity or poor communication.
Stop Work If
- A truck or piece of equipment is moving without a spotter in a tight area.
- Workers are standing inside the unloading zone.
- The load appears unstable or improperly secured.
- Drivers or operators cannot clearly see or communicate with ground personnel.
- Delivery vehicles are blocking emergency routes or safe access paths.
Final Reminder
Deliveries bring the materials crews need, but they also bring serious hazards. Plan the delivery, control the area, and keep everyone clear of moving vehicles and loads.
| Crew Member Name | Signature | Date |
|---|---|---|