Forklift Safety Rules and Suggestions
Each and every year, there are around 20,000 cases of accidents which are related to utilizing forklifts within the United States alone. And each and every year about 100 deaths are caused by forklift accidents. Fortunately, correct training about maintenance and operation procedures can significantly lessen the chance of accidents. The following basic safety regulations and suggestions must be followed when using a forklift.
Training
The employer is responsible for making sure that employees are certified to use a forklift and have undergone a correct training program. Training involves a combination of presentations, lectures, practical hands-on training and discussions. Reevaluation must occur every three years. Operators of forklifts should be up-to-date with current forklift safety regulations. Forklift training program content includes dangers of forklift operations, general workplace hazards, dangers related to utilizing the specific forklift that the employee would be utilizing and workplace surfaces and lighting. An employee should be 18 years of age or over to utilize a forklift.
Maintenance
To be able to make certain that the machinery is functioning safely and properly, forklift inspection should be done each day. The inspection involves keeping a checklist of things and reporting any concerns immediately.
The Workplace
Safe operation of a forklift involves a clean and safe workplace. A work place that is safe means establishing "traffic lanes" that are designated for forklift use only. Warning systems like horns and flashing lights must be in place to be able to indicate when there is an approaching forklift. Forklift docking stations must be inspected daily and kept in good repair.
General Guidelines
Included in the general safety rules of utilizing a forklift are respecting the forklift load capacity and never going over the maximum; avoiding known hazards on the ground, such as wet spots or oil spills; raising or lowering the load only while the forklift is stationary; making sure that there is enough clearance for the load; and keeping hands, arms and legs inside the vehicle during operation.