Forklift Safety Rules and Tips
In the US, 20,000 individuals are hurt every year in accidents related to the use of forklifts. And each year about 100 deaths are attributed to forklift accidents. Fortunately, proper training regarding maintenance and operation procedures could considerably reduce the chance of accidents. The basic safety regulations and tips below must be followed when utilizing a forklift.
Training
The employer is responsible for making sure that employees are trained to use a forklift and have gone through a proper training program. Training involves a combination of presentations, lectures, practical hands-on training and discussions. Reevaluation should take place every three years. Forklift operators must be up-to-date with current forklift safety regulations. Forklift training program content covers dangers of forklift operations, general workplace hazards, workplace lighting and surfaces, and dangers connected to utilizing the particular forklift that the worker would be utilizing. An employee should be 18 years of age or over to utilize a forklift.
Maintenance
To make sure that the machine is functioning safely and properly, forklift inspection should be carried out every day. The inspection involves keeping a checklist of items and reporting any concerns at once.
The Work Place
Having a clean and safe workplace is essential in the safe use of a forklift. A work site that is safe means establishing "traffic lanes" which are designated for forklift use only. Warning systems such as horns and flashing lights must be in place to indicate when there is an approaching forklift. Forklift docking stations must be inspected on a daily basis and kept in good repair.
General Guidelines
General safety rules for forklift operation consist of ; respecting the forklift load capacity and never going over the maximum; making sure that there is enough clearance for the load; raising or lowering the load only when the forklift is stationary; and keeping arms, legs and hands inside the vehicle while using it.