Forklift Safety Guidelines and Suggestions
Each and every year, there are about 20,000 cases of accidents which are connected to using forklifts within the United States alone. And each year about 100 deaths are attributed to forklift accidents. Luckily, correct training regarding maintenance and operation procedures could considerably lessen the chance of accidents. The basic safety regulations and suggestions below must be followed when operating a forklift.
Training
The employer is responsible for making certain that workers 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 should occur every three years. Forklift operators need 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 related to operating the specific forklift that the employee will be using. An employee should be at least 18 years old to use a forklift.
Maintenance
To be able to make sure that the machine is working safely and properly, forklift inspection must be done each day. The inspection includes keeping a checklist of things and reporting any problems immediately.
The Workplace
Safe use of a forklift involves a clean and safe workplace. A safe work place means establishing "traffic lanes" that are designated for forklift use only. Warning systems like for example horns and flashing lights should be in place 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 avoiding known hazards on the ground, like wet spots or oil spills; raising or lowering the load only when the forklift is stationary; ensuring there is enough clearance for the load; and keeping legs, hands and arms inside the vehicle during operation.