Work Smarter & Safer with STAHL
Your truck body does more than haul tools—it’s your mobile workspace. From leveling outriggers to grippy non-skid decks and integrated tie-downs, STAHL bodies are engineered with safety in mind so you can focus on the job—not worry about slipping, tipping, or unstable loads.
Every day in the field brings new challenges: awkward lifts, slick surfaces, and heavy equipment that needs exact positioning. Cutting corners on safety can lead to injuries, fines, or costly downtime. At STAHL, we believe a well-designed service body is only part of the equation—knowing how to use it safely is just as critical. Here are best practices to keep you upright, injury-free, and in compliance wherever your work takes you.
1. Level Up Before You Lift
Whether you’re deploying a knuckle-boom crane or simply opening heavy compartment doors, always park on firm, level ground. Use built-in ground-leveling guides or a smartphone app bubble to verify. If you can’t avoid a slight slope, engage your truck’s parking brake and wedge in chocks under the wheels—never rely on the emergency brake alone.
STAHL Tip: Our bodies feature recessed leveling points near the frame rails so you can place vehicle jacks or leveling pads precisely under solid structure, not under body panels.
2. Stabilize with Outriggers & Jacks
Cranes and hoists put significant side loads on your chassis. Deploy outriggers fully—listen for the reassuring “thunk” when they contact the ground—and always use the supplied pads or jack plates to distribute weight on soft surfaces. Never extend half-way; partial deployment can buckle weak soil or asphalt.
Pro Hack: Keep a pair of fold-flat outrigger pads in your body’s under-frame drawers to ensure you never have to improvise with bricks or plywood.
3. Secure Your Load, Even on the Move
Loose tools and parts aren’t just annoying—they’re hazardous projectiles in sudden stops. Use STAHL’s integrated tie-down tracks and heavy-duty ratchet straps to anchor bulky items, and stow hand tools in drawer modules or magnetic trays. A quick pre-departure check—pull firmly on straps and drawers—takes 30 seconds and can prevent a surprise tumble.
4. Mind Your Step: Non-Skid Surfaces & Ladder Safety
Rain, snow, or spilled liquids turn steel decks into skating rinks. Always rinse out mud and oil, then dry with absorbent pads stored onboard. When mounting or dismounting, maintain three points of contact—two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand—especially on ladder-style cab-racks.
Safety Nugget: STAHL offers optional LED step lights that automatically illuminate when a door opens, so you never miss a step at dawn or dusk.
5. Use Personal Protective Gear (PPE) Properly
It may sound obvious, but gloves, hard hats, safety glasses, and high-vis vests only protect you if they’re worn correctly—and in good condition. Keep fresh gloves and lenses in a dedicated compartment. If you’re working near traffic or heavy equipment, consider adding reflective striping to your body or wearing a reflective harness.
6. Electrical Safety Around Your Body
If your job involves wiring or HVAC controls, de-energize circuits first. Use lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and test with a non-contact voltage tester before opening panels. Store all testers and insulated tools in clearly labeled pouches so you never grab the wrong screwdriver by mistake.
7. Beware of Confined Spaces & Ventilation
Some compartments—especially tank or pump install areas—can trap fumes. Always crack open doors or vents first and, if possible, use a small portable fan to circulate air before you crawl in. Carry a personal gas monitor if you handle fuels, solvents, or refrigerants regularly.
8. Safe Handling of Liquids & Chemicals
Fluid systems (DEF, oil, grease) require secure fittings and leak-proof reels. Before each job, visually inspect hoses for cracks or bulges and test reel brakes. Store spill-kit absorbents and disposable gloves in the compartment with your pumps—so you’re ready if a line gets punctured.
9. Leverage Smartphone Alerts & Body Sensors
Modern STAHL bodies can be outfitted with door-ajar sensors and integrated alarms. Configure your phone app to notify you if a compartment opens unexpectedly, or if your crane outriggers retract—helpful when switching between tasks or working solo.
10. Keep a Safety Checklist & Refresher Training
Even veterans slip up. Store a laminated safety checklist in your glove box or body door and run through it at the start of each shift:
- Level & chock wheels
- Deploy outrigger pads
- Secure loads & close drawers
- PPE on and tested
- Circuit test before electrical work
- Fume ventilation
- Inspect hoses & reels
Schedule a quarterly toolbox-talk with your team to review these steps, share near-miss stories, and keep safety top of mind.
STAHL: Your Partner in Safety
At STAHL, we design service bodies to be robust platforms, but your well-being depends on smart, consistent practices. Treat your truck as an extension of your workplace—park and level it, deploy stabilizers properly, secure every load, and use the right PPE and testers. Combine these best practices with STAHL’s safety-focused features, and you’ll minimize risk, maximize uptime, and ensure a long, injury-free career in the field.
Stay safe out there—and let STAHL have your back every step of the way.