Forklift Safety Guidelines and Suggestions
Each and every year, there are approximately 20,000 cases of accidents which are related to using forklifts in the US alone. And each year roughly 100 deaths are caused by forklift accidents. Luckily, proper training concerning maintenance and operation procedures could considerably lessen the risk of accidents. The following basic safety rules and suggestions must be followed when utilizing a forklift.
Training
It is the responsibility of the employer to make certain that the proper training program is given to the staff and that operators of forklifts are certified.. Training includes a combination of presentations, lectures, discussions and practical hands-on training. Reevaluation should occur 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 operating the specific forklift that the employee will be utilizing. An employee must be at least 18 years old to use a forklift.
Maintenance
Forklift inspections must be done daily to be able to ensure the safe and proper functioning of the machine. The inspection includes keeping a checklist of things and reporting any concerns at once.
The Work Site
Having a clean and safe workplace is vital in the safe use of a forklift. A safe work site means establishing "traffic lanes" that are designated for forklift use only. Warning systems such as horns and flashing lights should be in place to indicate when there is an approaching forklift. Forklift docking stations should be inspected on a daily basis and kept in good repair.
General Guidelines
General safety rules for forklift use comprise ; respecting the load capacity of the forklift and never going over the maximum; making sure that there is enough clearance for the load; lowering or raising the load only while the forklift is stationary; and keeping arms, legs and hands inside the vehicle during operation.