Forklift Safety Guidelines and Tips
In the US, 20,000 individuals are hurt every year in accidents connected to the utilization of forklifts. And every year around 100 deaths are caused by forklift accidents. Luckily, correct training about operation procedures and maintenance could considerably lessen the risk of accidents. The following basic safety regulations and tips should be followed when utilizing a forklift.
Training
The employer is responsible for making sure that workers are certified to utilize a forklift and have gone through a proper training program. Training includes a combination of lectures, presentations, practical hands-on training and discussions. Reevaluation should take place every three years. Operators of forklifts must be up-to-date with current forklift safety rules. Forklift training program content covers dangers of forklift operations, general workplace hazards, workplace surfaces and lighting, and dangers related to using the particular forklift which the employee would be using. An employee should be at least 18 years old to utilize a forklift.
Maintenance
To be able to make certain that the machinery is functioning properly and safely, forklift inspection must be done every day. The inspection includes keeping a checklist of items and reporting any problems at once.
The Work Place
Having a clean and safe workplace is important in the safe use of a forklift. A safe work place means establishing "traffic lanes" which are only designated for forklift use. Warning systems such as flashing lights and horns should be in place to indicate when there is an approaching forklift. Forklift docking stations must be kept in good repair and inspected on a daily basis.
General Guidelines
Included in the general safety rules of utilizing 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; lowering or raising the load only when the forklift is stationary; and keeping legs, hands and arms in the vehicle during operation.