Forklift operators must be trained and certified. Part of this training requires understanding the working environment. Warehouses are full of moving people, vehicles, and equipment. Proper forklift training is essential for operating a forklift safely to prevent injuries to people and damage to other warehouse equipment.
In this article, we’re sharing forklift operation standards from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). According to OSHA, one in six workplace deaths involve a forklift. That’s a sobering statistic, particularly because 70% of forklift accidents are preventable with standard safety training.
Forklift Accident Statistics
OSHA only requires forklift incidents to be recorded or reported when they result in death or serious injury, so it’s difficult to know how many accidents occur each year. However, we know that forklift incidents result in 75-95 fatalities each year and 8,000-9,000 injuries series enough to require days away from work. Forklift injuries tend to be more serious than other types of injuries, requiring more days away from work than many other incidents.
The top five types of forklift accidents are:
- Forklift rollovers or tip-overs
- Pedestrian collisions
- Falling loads
- Personnel falling from forks
- Emissions poisoning
You can learn more about how to prevent each of these accidents in OSHA’s guide.
Tips for Safely Operating a Forklift
OSHA requires workers to be trained and certified before operating a forklift. No one under the age of 18 is allowed to use a forklift. Forklift operators need to be trained on workplace conditions and the vehicle in use.
Always check the forklift for hazardous conditions which would make it unsafe to operate before getting started. Wear a seatbelt, if available. Be on the lookout for pedestrians and follow the speed limit, slowing down in congested or slippery areas. Use horns at cross aisles and in obstructed areas to alert others to your presence.
Don’t exceed the rated load; make sure the load is stable and balanced. Make sure there’s plenty of clearance when raising, loading, and operating the forklift. Follow safe procedures for picking up, putting down, and stacking loads. Don’t back up a forklift to the dock’s edge. Keep a safe distance from platform, ramp, and loading dock edges. Don’t use the forks to lift people or provide rides on the forklift.
Maintenance and Charging
Forklifts should be well maintained and repaired according to manufacturer recommendations. Don’t modify the forklift in ways that could affect capacity and/or safe operation without getting written approval from the manufacturer.
To change or charge batteries, make sure the forklift is positioned correctly and apply the brakes. Fire extinguishers should be readily available and fully charged. Personal protective equipment like rubber gloves, eye protection, and face protection can help prevent injuries and should be provided by the employer. Don’t allow smoking or open flames in and around charging stations.
Workers should receive training on hazards associated with the combustion byproducts of operating a forklift, such as carbon monoxide. Always follow OSHA requirements when refueling gas or propane fueled forklifts.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
