Forklift Safety Suggestions & Rules
Each year, there are about 20,000 cases of accidents which are related to utilizing forklifts within the United States alone. And each year roughly 100 deaths are attributed to forklift accidents. Luckily, proper training regarding operation procedures and maintenance can considerably lessen the chance of accidents. The following basic safety regulations and tips must be followed whenever utilizing a forklift.
Training
It is the duty of the employer to make sure that the proper training program is provided to the staff and that operators of forklifts are qualified.. Training involves a combination of presentations, lectures, practical hands-on training and discussions. Reevaluation should occur every three years. Operators of forklifts should be up-to-date with current forklift safety regulations. Forklift training program content includes general workplace hazards, dangers of forklift operations, dangers connected to using the specific forklift which the employee will be using and workplace lighting and surfaces. An employee must be 18 years of age or over to utilize a forklift.
Maintenance
To be able to make sure that the equipment is functioning safely and properly, forklift inspection must be carried out every day. The inspection involves keeping a checklist of items and reporting any concerns right away.
The Work Place
Having a clean and safe workplace is essential in the safe use of a forklift. A work place which is safe means establishing "traffic lanes" which are only designated for forklift use. Warning systems such as horns and flashing lights must be in place to be able to indicate when there is an approaching forklift. Forklift docking stations must be inspected on a daily basis and kept in good repair.
General Guidelines
Included in the general safety guidelines of using a forklift are respecting the load capacity of the forklift and never going over the maximum; avoiding known hazards on the ground, such as oil spills or wet spots; making sure that there is enough clearance for the load; raising or lowering the load only while the forklift is stationary; and keeping legs, hands and arms inside the vehicle while utilizing it.