Forklift Safety Guidelines and Tips
Within the US, 20,000 individuals are hurt each year in accidents connected to the utilization of forklifts. And each and every year roughly 100 deaths are attributed to forklift accidents. Luckily, correct training about maintenance and operation procedures could significantly reduce the risk of accidents. The basic safety rules and tips below must be followed when operating a forklift.
Training
The employer is responsible for making sure that workers are certified to operate a forklift and have undergone a proper training program. Training involves a combination of presentations, lectures, discussions and practical hands-on training. Reevaluation must take place every three years. Operators of forklifts need to be up-to-date with current forklift safety regulations. Forklift training program content covers general workplace hazards, dangers of forklift operations, dangers related to utilizing the specific forklift that the employee would be utilizing and workplace lighting and surfaces. An employee must be 18 years of age or over to operate a forklift.
Maintenance
Forklift inspections should be done on a daily basis to be able to guarantee the proper and safe functioning of the machinery. The inspection involves keeping a checklist of things and reporting any problems at once.
The Work Place
Safe operation of a forklift involves a clean and safe workplace. A safe work site means establishing "traffic lanes" that are only designated for forklift use. Warning systems like for example horns and flashing lights must be in place to be able to indicate when there is an approaching forklift. Forklift docking stations should be kept in good repair and inspected daily.
General Guidelines
Included in the general safety rules of using a forklift are 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 hands, arms and legs inside the vehicle during operation.