6 Tips for Effective Tailgate Sessions

Conduct a pre-work meeting before leaving the shop or warehouse to discuss the work to be performed once on site.  Also check the equipment and have all the tools and supplies needed. 

Based on the task and the known information about the site, review where trucks will be set-up, traffic patterns, street closures and potential obstacles or hazards, including energized power lines. 

Once on site, the crew should perform a site survey.  The survey should identify items such as: soft ground, ditches, drop-offs, holes, debris, overhead obstructions, electrical conductors, and underground utilities. 

Tailgate sessions should identify additional potential hazards, clarify any non-standard work to be done, and discuss what is required by the truck and the crew to avoid potential hazards.  

Every member of your on-site crew should know the location, function, and operation of all the controls, and accessory operation and be trained to operate in case an emergency situation arises. 

Finally, the most qualified person on the team should make final decisions regarding the work to be performed based on site conditions.