Forklifts are commonplace in businesses all around the world. They serve many functions, save time, energy, and prove to be cost-effective. However, forklifts are powerful pieces of equipment. Unfortunately, as they’re so commonplace in businesses, accidents are going to happen. Every year, in the US alone, more than 10,000 forklifts accidents occur. These could be from improper training, slips, falls, or reckless use. Regardless of the cause of accidents, proper forklift safety training could prevent thousands of cases each year.
As an employer, it is your job to ensure your employees are properly trained, certified, and educated before operating a forklift. Not only must they be ready for operating a forklift, but ongoing education should also occur over time. Employees should be
Forklift Safety Tips
1. Get A Forklift Certification
Forklift accidents commonly occur due to improper training of those operating or working in conjunction with the machines. Only trained and licensed individuals should be operating the forklifts. Additionally, business owners or managers should check their employees’ forklift safety knowledge. Further training, presentations, and information should be given to employees every few years.
2. Know the Forklift Classifications
Every class of forklift is built differently with various features and functionalities. Knowing how each forklift operates allows seamless operation. Some classifications can hold great load capacities than others, while some are used primarily for pallets. Being aware and experienced in operating the different classifications gives confidence to the drivers. This allows drivers to operate the machines safely.
3. Inspect the Forklift Daily
Before every use, a forklift needs to be inspected thoroughly by an employee trained and knowledgeable about the safety features. If there are any issues with the forklift, they should be submitted to the site supervisor. If any issues or defects do present themselves, the forklift should not be used under any circumstances.
4. Adhere to Forklift Capacity
All classifications of forklifts have various capacities. Every make and model each have their own set capacity. These capacities can change if the forklifts are being operated with additional attachments. The operators are responsible for being aware of these capacities and adhering to them. Forklifts that are carrying weight overcapacity have increased risk for tipping, losing control, or malfunctioning which may result in injury.
5. Maintain Visibility when Driving
The operator needs to have a 360-degree view of his/her environment. During operation, the driver must have a clear view of the material or pallet being lifted. Without so, pallets have the chance of falling over and injuring someone. Whenever a load is picked up, the forks should be positioned, so the operator can see clearly. While driving, the operator needs to be actively scanning the perimeter to see any coworkers or pedestrians in the area. At night, headlights need to be used.
6. Use a Floor Marking System
Using a marking system on the floor lets pedestrians, workers, and forklift operators know where they can and cannot be. This greatly reduces the chance of unwarranted injury. Lines should be drawn to indicate where forklifts drive, where individuals can walk, and where both need to pause and look for others.
7. Pay Attention to Stability
While getting ready to operate a forklift, the driver should be sure he/she is properly clothed and the machine has no loose items hanging out. The operator should ensure the load is carefully picked up and centered correctly. While driving, the operator should be focused on the load to be aware of any imbalances in the load.
8. Operate under Speed Regulations
Warehouses, factories, and other workplaces should speed restrictions set in place. Forklift operators must adhere to these for safety purposes. In addition to speed, taking safe, controlled turns and braking the forklift slowly reduce the chance of an accident occurring.
9. Operate at Safe Distances
It’s important to operate forklifts at safe distances from other equipment, people, and storage facilities. It is impossible to anticipate another machine operator’s next move, so it’s best to keep distance to ensure safety. Forklift drivers should keep away from other moving machinery that may move in unpredictable ways.
10. Always Park, Recharge, Refuel the Forklift
When finished using the forklift, it should be parked and stored in a designated area. These parking areas should be out of the way of other equipment, entries, or exits. As well, forklifts need to be charged and fueled regularly. Having a forklift die while in use can have drastic consequences resulting in injury.
Forklift Safety Features
This list of features is composed of various safety measures that are either inherent to forklifts or can be purchased as an additional feature.
1. Headlights
Forklifts come with headlights, just like any car you drive. When driving in dimly lit areas or outside at night, headlights need to be used to see traffic, pedestrians, and so others can see the forklift.
2. Warning Lights
Having a forklift safety light can serve as a great indicator in times where pedestrians are not aware of your presence. Ideally, these warning lights can be used inside and outdoors. These lights are in addition to headlights and should provide greater visibility and provoke awareness.
3. Forklift Safety Cage
For various types of forklifts, safety cages may be present. Some forklifts have a safety cage where individuals can stand on an elevated platform and raise themselves to heights. Other cages include those the driver sits in to protect himself or herself from various outside factors. Forklifts designed to be used outdoors may have a more robust safety cage for the driver’s security.
4. Seat Belt
Every drivable forklift should have a seatbelt. Forklift operators should always use a seatbelt when driving the machine. Just like a car, seatbelts are mandatory as a precautionary measure.
5. Horn
Again, every drivable forklift should have a horn. This can be used to indicate the forklift’s presence if someone doesn’t notice it. Just like a car, horns are necessary features that every lift should possess.
6. Bright-Colored Forks
Many forklifts come with bright-colored forks to give the forklift greater visibility. The bright, sometimes fluorescent-colored forks can stand out better in both outdoor and indoor environments.
7. Cameras or Other Visual Aids
Cameras and other visual aids can be purchased from various manufacturers to be added to forklifts. These can assist operators in being aware of their surroundings. They are especially useful when operating with confined visibility.
8. Proximity Systems
Proximity systems are also available to be bought aftermarket. These can indicate any objects or people around the forklift. They will alert the operator when the forklift comes near something assisting them in driving the forklift with limited visibility.
Forklift Safety Checklist
1. Check Protective Gear
Depending on the place of work, employers may have the necessary protective gear required for driving a forklift. Check to ensure you have all the requirements met. These may include boots, reflective clothing, glasses, hard hat, phone, and gloves.
2. Check fluids, tires, etc.
Before driving a forklift, operators must check fuel levels, the battery, hydraulic fluid, and tires. All these are important to ensure the forklift operates correctly. Many accidents can be prevented from these checks.
3. Evaluate Safety Features
Drivers should be aware of the forklift’s safety features. If not, they are responsible for checking the safety guide that comes with the lift. Common safety features to check are the seatbelt, lights, horn, and any doors or cages.
4. Perform a Visual Inspection
Operators should visually inspect their forklift before using it. Look around the vehicle for any cracks, leaks, or defects. If operators are familiar with the lift, they should be aware of any defects easily. If something is noticed, it needs to be reported to a supervisor immediately. The vehicle should be blocked and staff needs to be notified not to use the forklift until the issues are met.
5. Check functionality of Equipment
Before setting off for work, check to ensure all functionality of the forklift is operating in order. Make sure the forks are lifted and lowered properly, the brakes work, any extensions or attachments, etc. Once everything is in good standing, your forklift should be ready to go.
Forklift Safety Videos
As an employer, it’s vital to provide your employees with forklift safety videos to further their safety knowledge. Even after proper education and certifications are met, additional safety videos help drill in the information. The more exposure to safety information, the less likely accidents will occur. Check out some of these links below to see forklift safety videos.
Forklift Safety- 8 rules- Avoid Accidents & Injuries
Forklift Training- Basic Operations
Forklift Safety FAQ
Where can I get a forklift certification?
Depending on where you live, there are various ways to get certified or trained. In the US, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration mandates training before the operation of a forklift. Employers can provide this training, or other sources of training may be found online.
In Canada, forklift training schools vary per province. The certification and training last 3 years before needing renewal.
Where can I learn more about forklift safety?
The International Truck Association offers great resources on learning about forklift safety and regulations. This can be viewed here.
If you’re currently employed where forklifts are in use, speak to your supervisor or employer to ask about training and education programs.
What are the main accidents with forklifts?
1. Maneuvering
The most common reasons forklift accidents occur are from maneuvering related issues. Most forklifts have rear-wheel steering, which can be challenging to adapt to new operators. They may not be aware of the turn radius, center of gravity, or stability of various lifts.
2. Attachments
If your forklift has attachments, driving the forklift requires extra care and precaution. Drivers may not be experienced with having added parts on their forklift which can increase the chance of accidents. Attachments add weight, change maneuverability, and reduce clearance, meaning the operator needs to adapt to them.
3. Floor Conditions
Regardless of how cautious an operator is, poor floor conditions can increase the risk of accidents. Operators may fail to realize spills, unlevel ground, or other obstructions while driving leading to accidents.
4. Blind Spots
Just like cars, many forklifts have blind spots. These lead to unexpected impacts causing injury to all parties involved. Having a spotter accompany a forklift may be beneficial for being aware of surroundings. A spotter can also assist in directing traffic of pedestrians and employees in a factory or warehouse setting.
5. Load Stability
Loading a forklift without great care and awareness may lead to instability. Operators may not notice the instability until it’s too late, resulting in forklifts flipping. Take care to load forklifts properly, ensuring all loads are centered to prevent any stability-caused accidents.
6. Speed
Driving a forklift too fast is a common reason that accidents in the workplace occur. Operators driving too fast are not able to react quickly enough to ensure the safety of themselves and any individuals nearby.
7. Fueling and Recharging
Improper fueling conditions can result in disastrous accidents. Regardless of the type of fuel, it is flammable and needs to be approached with caution. Poor ventilation should be addressed around fueling stations as well.
Conclusion
The importance of forklift safety cannot be disregarded. Too many accidents occur every year that involve forklifts. Many of these accidents are due to reckless or unfocused operating. Proper training and education are very likely to prevent many of these accidents in the future. Businesses and employers must ensure their employees receive the proper certifications and training before operating a forklift. Employees should also participate in operating tests to prove their knowledge.