Forklift Safety Tips & Rules
Each and every year, there are roughly 20,000 cases of accidents which are connected to using forklifts in the US alone. And every year roughly 100 deaths are caused by forklift accidents. Luckily, proper training about maintenance and operation procedures could significantly reduce the risk of accidents. The basic safety rules and tips below should be followed when utilizing a forklift.
Training
The employer is responsible for making certain that employees are trained to utilize a forklift and have gone through a correct training program. Training involves a combination of lectures, presentations, practical hands-on training and discussions. Reevaluation must take place every three years. Forklift operators should be up-to-date with current forklift safety regulations. Forklift training program content includes general workplace hazards, dangers of forklift operations, workplace surfaces and lighting, and dangers related to using the specific forklift which the worker will be using. An employee should be at least 18 years old to operate a forklift.
Maintenance
In order to make sure that the machinery is working safely and properly, forklift inspection should be done every day. The inspection involves keeping a checklist of things and reporting any problems right away.
The Workplace
Having a clean and safe workplace is important in the safe operation of a forklift. A work place which is safe means establishing "traffic lanes" which are only designated for forklift use. Warning systems like for example horns and flashing lights should be in place to be able to indicate when there is a forklift approaching. Forklift docking stations must be kept in good repair and inspected on a daily basis.
General Guidelines
General safety guidelines for forklift operation include respecting the load capacity of the forklift and never exceeding the maximum; avoiding known hazards on the ground, such as wet spots or oil spills; making sure that there is enough clearance for the load; lowering or raising the load only when the forklift is stationary; and keeping legs, hands and arms inside the vehicle during operation.