During a material delivery to a new subdivision site, the telehandler operator needs to offload pallets of masonry blocks from a transport truck onto a level staging area. The operator notices the ground around the staging area has soft spots from recent rain. What is the correct procedure before attempting to place the load?

Question: During a material delivery to a new subdivision site, the telehandler operator needs to offload pallets of masonry blocks from a transport truck onto a level staging area. The operator notices the ground around the staging area has soft spots from recent rain. What is the correct procedure before attempting to place the load?

Answer options:

• Proceed quickly to distribute the weight and avoid sinking into the soft ground. ✅ Place extra wooden blocking (cribbing) under the outrigger pads or tires to distribute ground pressure if operating near soft spots.
• Request the truck driver to reposition the entire delivery to a paved street.
• Reduce the telehandler's tire pressure to increase the contact patch size.

Correct answer: Place extra wooden blocking (cribbing) under the outrigger pads or tires to distribute ground pressure if operating near soft spots.

Explanation: Soft ground significantly reduces stability. Spreading the load using cribbing under outrigger pads (or tires if outriggers are not used) distributes the weight over a larger area, preventing sinking and maintaining telehandler stability, as required by CSA B335.