Forklift Safety Guidelines and Tips
Every year, there are roughly 20,000 cases of accidents that are connected to utilizing forklifts within the United States alone. And each year roughly 100 deaths are attributed to forklift accidents. Luckily, proper training regarding maintenance and operation procedures could significantly lessen the risk of accidents. The following basic safety regulations and suggestions should be followed whenever using a forklift.
Training
The employer is responsible for making certain that employees are certified to operate a forklift and have gone through a correct training program. Training includes a combination of lectures, presentations, discussions and practical hands-on training. Reevaluation should occur every three years. Operators of forklifts need to be up-to-date with current forklift safety regulations. Forklift training program content includes dangers of forklift operations, general workplace hazards, dangers related to operating the specific forklift which the employee will be utilizing and workplace lighting and surfaces. An employee should be at least 18 years old to operate a forklift.
Maintenance
Forklift inspections should be done daily to ensure the proper and safe functioning of the machinery. The inspection involves keeping a checklist of items and reporting any concerns right away.
The Work Place
Safe operation of a forklift involves a clean and safe workplace. A safe work place means establishing "traffic lanes" which are just designated for forklift use. Warning systems like for instance flashing lights and horns must be in place to indicate when there is a forklift approaching. Forklift docking stations should be inspected daily and kept in good repair.
General Guidelines
Included in the general safety guidelines of utilizing a forklift are ; respecting the forklift load capacity and never going over the maximum; ensuring there is enough clearance for the load; raising or lowering the load only while the forklift is stationary; and keeping legs, hands and arms inside the vehicle during operation.