Forklift Safety Suggestions & Guidelines
Within the US, 20,000 individuals are injured every year in accidents related to the use of forklifts. And each year approximately 100 deaths are caused by forklift accidents. Fortunately, correct training regarding operation procedures and maintenance could considerably reduce the chance of accidents. The basic safety regulations and suggestions below should be followed when operating a forklift.
Training
The employer is responsible for making certain that workers are qualified to use a forklift and have undergone a proper training program. Training includes a combination of presentations, lectures, practical hands-on training and discussions. Reevaluation should occur every three years. Operators of forklifts have to be up-to-date with current forklift safety regulations. Forklift training program content includes dangers of forklift operations, general workplace hazards, dangers connected to utilizing the specific forklift which the employee will be utilizing and workplace surfaces and lighting. An employee must be at least 18 years old to operate a forklift.
Maintenance
Forklift inspections should be carried out daily in order to guarantee 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 work place which is safe means establishing "traffic lanes" which are designated for forklift use only. Warning systems like for example horns and flashing lights should be in place to indicate when there is a forklift approaching. Forklift docking stations must be inspected daily and kept in good repair.
General Guidelines
General safety guidelines for forklift use comprise ; respecting the forklift load capacity 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 hands, arms and legs inside the vehicle during operation.