Forklift Safety Guidelines and Suggestions
In the United States, 20,000 individuals are hurt each year in accidents connected to the use of forklifts. And each and every year approximately 100 deaths are caused by forklift accidents. Fortunately, proper training about operation procedures and maintenance can significantly lessen the risk of accidents. The basic safety rules and tips below should be followed whenever operating a forklift.
Training
The employer is responsible for making sure that workers are trained to use a forklift and have gone through a correct training program. Training includes a combination of lectures, presentations, practical hands-on training and discussions. Reevaluation should take place every three years. Forklift operators have to be up-to-date with current forklift safety rules. Forklift training program content includes general workplace hazards, dangers of forklift operations, workplace lighting and surfaces, and dangers connected to utilizing the particular forklift that the employee will be using. An employee must be at least 18 years old to operate a forklift.
Maintenance
Forklift inspections must be done on a daily basis to be able to ensure the safe and proper functioning of the machine. The inspection involves keeping a checklist of things and reporting any problems right away.
The Workplace
Having a safe and clean workplace is important in the safe operation of a forklift. A safe work place means establishing "traffic lanes" that are only designated for forklift use. Warning systems such as flashing lights and horns should be in place to indicate when there is an approaching forklift. Forklift docking stations must be inspected daily and kept in good repair.
General Guidelines
Included in the general safety guidelines of utilizing a forklift are respecting the load capacity of the forklift and never going over the maximum; avoiding known hazards on the ground, like wet spots or oil spills; lowering or raising the load only while the forklift is stationary; ensuring there is enough clearance for the load; and keeping legs, hands and arms inside the vehicle during operation.