Each year almost hundred workers get killed and thousands are severely injured in forklift accidents. The primary four kinds of accidents causing these fatalities are:
- Forklift overturns
- Victims getting crushed by a forklift
- Falls from the forklift
- Workers getting their feet struck by the forklift
In this post we will cover essential aspects pertaining to forklift safety.
Forklift Training
Comprehensive training is imperative for all forklift operators. OSHA expects all powered industrial truck drivers to be professionally trained and certified by their companies. Employers must create and incorporate a training program that entails all the principles of safe truck handling, the kinds of vehicles used in their workplace, the risks of the workplace generated from using the vehicles, and overall safety requirements of the OSHA benchmark. Trained operators must be aware of how the job must be done appropriately and safely as demonstrated int eh work environment evaluation. Employers must offer practical and formal training and operators must be in possession of a Gold Coast forklift licence. Each operator must be certified by the employer, confirming they have undergone training and the employer must be re-evaluated every three years at least. Before operating a forklift in the workplace, the employer must evaluate the driver’s performance and assess whether he is competent in handling a powered industrial truck in a safe manner. For the well-established material handling equipment company simply visit SQMH.
The following operator procedures as outlined by DOSH (Division of Occupational Safety and Health) must be implemented to reduce the hazard of collision, overturn or loss of load:
- Ensuring the load is safely arranged and stable on the forks.
- The load must be tilted backwards only enough for stabilizing the load.
- Keep a load low, just above the pavement and the forks directed backwards when traveling.
- Try to cross railroad tracks slantwise if possible.
- Always drive at such a speed that will permit you to stop safely inside the stability triangle.
- Drive slowly on slippery or wet surfaces.
- Slow down when you’re making a turn.
- Don’t drive on surfaces with holes and ruts or over loose items.
Knowing The Equipment
There are various kinds of powered industrial trucks. Every type has varied hazards. For instance, a high-lift rider truck would be more likely to be involved in a falling load incident than a motorized hand truck, since the sit-down rider truck can lift the load much higher. Knowing the equipment can help with ensuring safety by handling it correctly with the help of ewp hire.
Additionally, regular inspection and maintenance of the equipment are crucial for maintaining safety standards. Neglecting to address potential issues can lead to dangerous malfunctions. For example, ensuring that the forks and lifting mechanisms of a high-lift rider truck are in proper working order is essential to prevent accidents such as load slippage or failure. If you’re using equipment like a crown forklift for extended periods, it’s important to use high-quality Crown forklift parts for replacement. These provide reliability and durability, helping to keep the truck running smoothly and safely. Taking proactive measures in maintenance and repairs not only protects workers but also extends the lifespan of the machinery.
Workplace Awareness
Workplace type and the surrounding are also factors in hazards commonly linked to powered industrial trucks. Beyond this, many workers sustain injuries when:
- Lifting trucks are unintentionally driven off the loading docks.
- Lifts fall in between an unsecured trailer and loading docks.
- They get struck by a lift truck.
- They fall while standing on elevated tines or pallets.
Any surface the forklift drive over must be capable of supporting the load and the forklift with a safety rating of four. Wet, icy or oily surfaces must be avoided and cleaned as soon as possible.