Forklift Safety Rules and Suggestions
Within the United States, 20,000 people are injured every year in accidents connected to the use of forklifts. And each year approximately 100 deaths are attributed to forklift accidents. Luckily, correct training concerning maintenance and operation procedures could considerably reduce the risk of accidents. The following basic safety rules and tips should be followed whenever utilizing a forklift.
Training
The employer is responsible for making certain that workers are qualified to use 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 have to be up-to-date with current forklift safety regulations. Forklift training program content covers general workplace hazards, dangers of forklift operations, workplace surfaces and lighting, and dangers related to using the specific forklift which the worker will be utilizing. An employee should be at least 18 years old to use a forklift.
Maintenance
Forklift inspections must be carried out on a daily basis in order to ensure the safe and proper functioning of the machinery. The inspection includes keeping a checklist of things and reporting any problems at once.
The Workplace
Having a clean and safe workplace is important in the safe operation of a forklift. A safe work site 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 a forklift approaching. Forklift docking stations should be inspected daily and kept in good repair.
General Guidelines
General safety rules for forklift use comprise ; respecting the forklift load capacity and never exceeding the maximum; making sure that there is enough clearance for the load; lowering or raising the load only when the forklift is stationary; and keeping hands, arms and legs inside the vehicle during operation.