Wheelbarrow & Wagon Safety

Take steps to ensure safe use of wheelbarrows and wagons. The most important guide to safety is common sense. Use it well.

Loaded Questions
Wheelbarrows and garden carts lend a helping hand if used properly. Safe use of wheelbarrows and wagons includes these suggestions:

• Physical Limitations: Resist the tendency to overload wagons and wheelbarrows. Keep loads small and safe.
• Balance: Steering wheelbarrows can be tricky. Loads should be balanced over the wheel for maximum control. Although unbalanced wagons are safe on flat surfaces, inclines make the tilted load dangerous.
• Materials: Safe use includes selecting safe loads. Smaller, compact items such as fertilizers fit well. Longer items such as wood planks or sheets are best moved with other methods.

On a Roll
Once wheelbarrows or wagons get moving, safety becomes dynamic. Keep in mind the above safety guidelines, and pay attention to these additional safety rules:

• Proper Lifting: When raising wheelbarrow handles, lift with your knees, not with your back.
• Motion Control: Smoothly move wagons and wheelbarrows. Avoid sudden jerks or pushes to limit the risk of loosing control of the vehicle. Keep movement slow and steady.
• Spills: Some spills cannot be avoided. If you lose control of wagons or wheelbarrows, alert others, let go of the handles, and get clear of the vehicle.