Forklift Safety Rules and Tips
In the United States, 20,000 people are hurt every year in accidents related to the utilization of forklifts. And each year approximately 100 deaths are attributed to forklift accidents. Luckily, proper training concerning operation procedures and maintenance can considerably lessen the risk of accidents. The following basic safety regulations and tips must be followed when utilizing a forklift.
Training
The employer is responsible for making certain that workers are trained to utilize a forklift and have gone through a proper training program. Training includes a combination of presentations, lectures, discussions and practical hands-on training. Reevaluation must occur every three years. Operators of forklifts have to be up-to-date with current forklift safety rules. Forklift training program content includes general workplace hazards, dangers of forklift operations, workplace surfaces and lighting, and dangers related to utilizing the specific forklift which the worker would be utilizing. An employee should be at least 18 years old to operate a forklift.
Maintenance
In order to make certain that the machine is functioning safely and properly, forklift inspection must be done every day. The inspection involves keeping a checklist of items and reporting any concerns at once.
The Work Site
Having a clean and safe workplace is essential in the safe use of a forklift. A work site which is safe means establishing "traffic lanes" that are just designated for forklift use. Warning systems such as horns and flashing lights should be in place to indicate when there is a forklift approaching. Forklift docking stations must be inspected on a daily basis and kept in good repair.
General Guidelines
General safety guidelines for forklift use comprise ; respecting the load capacity of the forklift and never exceeding the maximum; raising or lowering the load only while the forklift is stationary; making sure that there is enough clearance for the load; and keeping arms, legs and hands inside the vehicle during operation.