Safety is always our primary focus on every Tucker Paving jobsite. We offer an array of services—including site clearing/grading, excavation, asphalt paving, underground utilities, concrete, and hauling—and the majority of them involve the use of dump trucks. Dump trucks have a few features that make them more prone to overturning; they have a high center of gravity, and they carry heavy loads of materials that are generally unstable due to the fact they can shift around easily. Gravel, sand, and asphalt millings are all examples of loads that can shift rapidly, transferring a large amount of weight quickly. 

A dump truck tip over is dangerous for the driver and those anywhere near to the dump site; it’s also likely going to damage the truck and any machinery, materials, or structures close to the overturned dump truck. Needless to say, an overturned dump truck is a situation you want to avoid at all costs! See the “Best Practices” that we’ve learned in our 30 years in the construction industry.

Best Practices for Dump Truck Safety

Like all things on a construction site, when it comes to dump trucks and avoiding tip overs, safety should be the leading concern. Dump trucks are most likely to tip over when the box is in the raised position, so the most caution should be taken when dumping a load.

The Best Practices for avoiding a truck overturning include:

  • Your company should first create and enforce safety procedures and policies for dump truck operation. Then, all employees operating dump trucks or working near dump truck operation sites should be trained on those safety procedures and policies.
  • Dumping should never occur near workers, other people, other machinery, or other vehicles.
  • Only haul loads that are within regulated weight limits.
  • Only dump on hard, even ground.
  • Poor-flowing materials can cause changes to the center of gravity of a dump truck when the box is in the up position and the materials don’t flow down and out correctly; haul lighter loads when hauling poor-flowing materials.
  • There is a correct dump truck for every job, such as a belly-dump trailer for narrow spaces, such as road construction.
  • Ensure that every truck and trailer are in tip-top shape though a regular maintenance and inspection routine.  

Safety is always our biggest priority at Tucker Paving. We’ve been in the asphalt and concrete paving industry for three decades, and we’ve never regretted going home safe at the end of the day. We can help you with your next project! Call us at (863) 299-2262, or fill out our contact form online.