Forklift Safety
Approximately 100 workers are killed each year as a result of forklift accidents. About 1/4 of these fatalities are caused by overturning. Other common causes are workers being struck by materials carried on the forklift, workers being struck by the forklift, and workers falling from the forklift.
Forklift operation is not as simple as it looks. But with a little experience, it’s not an impossible skill to master. Unfortunately, those who operate forklifts day in and day out have a tendency to take short cuts and to ignore basic safety rules. They develop the old “It can’t happen to me” attitude.
Forklifts can become very dangerous if operated by a reckless or untrained operator. All operators should receive safety training prior to being allowed to operate a forklift.
Forklift accidents tend to be very serious, involving both personal injury and damage to property. These accidents can be avoided if operators use some common sense and follow safe operating procedures. Do not operate a forklift until you have been properly trained and authorized to do so.
You can avoid becoming a statistic if you’ll just take the time to review forklift safety rules and forklift hazards and how to avoid them.
Try to keep them in mind each and every time you prepare to use a forklift.
Basic Forklift Safety Rules:
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Operate the forklift only if you’ve been trained.
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Maintain a safe following distance from other forklifts – about three vehicle lengths.
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Follow your speed limit and other regulations.
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Drive with your load low – six or eight inches off the ground – and tilted slightly back.
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Exercise extra caution when driving over duckboards and bridge plates and make sure your load is within their capacity as well.
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Raise and lower your load only when you are stopped.
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Stop at all blind corners to check for other traffic in the area. This includes other forklifts and pedestrians. Honk your horn and look before you proceed.
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Avoid sharp turns.
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Keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle.
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Be sure to wear a hard hat and other protective equipment when necessary.
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Be sure your load is stable and secure.
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A forklift is considered to be “unattended” if the operator is more than 25 feet away or if the forklift is out of the direct vision of the operator. When leaving the forklift, lower the forks, neutralize the controls, shut it off and set the brakes.
Normal Speeds Meets Every Need!!
Download flyer: SMOTW_Forklift Safety.pdf (95.29 kb)
