Regulations, dangers of unsecured pallet jacks, and how our safety system solves the problem
A standard hand pallet jack weighs between 60 and 85 kg. During transport, trucks experience braking forces, cornering forces, and vibrations that can cause unsecured equipment to shift or roll uncontrollably across the loading platform. At highway speeds, an emergency braking manoeuvre can exert forces of 0.8 g or more on unsecured cargo.
An unsecured pallet jack rolling across a truck platform during sudden braking becomes a projectile weighing up to 85 kg. This poses severe risks: damage to goods being transported, structural damage to the truck body, and life-threatening injuries to personnel during loading and unloading operations. Drivers opening the truck doors after transit have been struck by unsecured equipment that shifted during the journey.
Load securing in road transport is governed by strict regulations. In Germany, StVO §22 (Road Traffic Regulations) requires that all cargo -- including equipment carried on the vehicle -- must be secured so that it cannot slip, roll, tip over or generate avoidable noise, even during emergency braking or sudden evasive manoeuvres.
The VDI 2700 guideline series provides the technical framework for load securing. It specifies that equipment transported on vehicles must be restrained against forces of 0.8 g in the forward direction, 0.5 g sideways, and 0.5 g rearward. Pallet jacks on truck platforms are explicitly subject to these requirements.
At the European level, the EN 12195 standard series defines methods and devices for load securing. Our DEKRA-certified safety bracket is a form-fit securing device that meets these requirements by physically preventing any movement of the pallet jack.
Place the steel base plate on the truck loading platform at the designated parking position for the pallet jack. The base plate has pre-drilled holes for precise alignment. Choose a flat area on the platform floor where the pallet jack is typically stored during transit.
Using the base plate as a template, mark the drill points on the truck platform surface. The countersunk screw positions are pre-determined to ensure optimal load distribution across the mounting area. Double-check alignment before drilling.
Drill the mounting holes into the truck platform floor at the marked positions. The countersunk design ensures that the screw heads sit flush with the surface, preventing any trip hazards or interference with cargo loading operations on the platform.
Fasten the base plate firmly to the truck platform using the supplied countersunk screws. Tighten all screws evenly to the specified torque to ensure a permanent, vibration-resistant connection. The flush-mounted screws create a clean, flat surface.
Roll the pallet jack into position and engage the safety bracket's locking mechanism. The bracket grips the pallet jack frame securely, creating a form-fit connection that prevents any lateral, forward, or rearward movement. The pallet jack is now fully secured for transport.
The entire installation process takes approximately 5 minutes and requires only basic tools. Once the base plate is permanently mounted on the truck platform, securing and releasing the pallet jack before and after each journey is a matter of seconds. Illustrated step-by-step instructions are included with every system.
The legal and financial consequences of inadequate load securing are severe and far-reaching. German law holds multiple parties responsible: the driver, the vehicle operator, and the loading personnel can all face penalties.
Fines and penalties: Violations of StVO §22 carry fines starting at 35 EUR for minor infractions, but can reach up to 75,000 EUR for commercial operators in serious cases. If an accident results from inadequate load securing, criminal charges for negligent bodily harm or even manslaughter are possible.
Insurance implications: Transport insurers can reduce or deny claims if the cargo was not properly secured according to applicable standards. If an unsecured pallet jack causes damage to transported goods, the carrier's liability insurance may invoke contributory negligence, leaving the operator to cover the costs out of pocket.
Employer liability: Under DGUV regulations, employers have a duty of care to ensure safe working conditions. If an employee is injured by an unsecured pallet jack that shifted during transport, the employer faces claims from the statutory accident insurance carrier (Berufsgenossenschaft) through recourse proceedings.
Our solution: The DEKRA-certified pallet jack safety system provides documented, verifiable load securing that satisfies all regulatory requirements. The DEKRA certificate serves as proof of compliance in the event of inspections or insurance claims, protecting drivers, fleet operators, and employers alike.
Unlike friction-based methods such as anti-slip mats or lashing straps, our bracket provides positive form-fit securing. The pallet jack is physically locked in place, eliminating any possibility of movement regardless of road conditions or driving manoeuvres.
Lashing straps require regular inspection and re-tensioning to remain effective. Our permanently mounted bracket eliminates this ongoing maintenance burden. Lock the pallet jack in, and it stays secured -- no daily checks needed.
The DEKRA certificate provides legally recognized proof that your load securing meets applicable standards. During roadside inspections by BAG (Federal Office for Goods Transport) or police, this documentation demonstrates regulatory compliance.
Made from zinc-plated steel with blue chromate finish, the safety bracket is maintenance-free and designed for years of heavy-duty use. Unlike consumable securing methods, there are no recurring costs for replacement straps, mats or other wear items.
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