Forklift Safety Guidelines and Suggestions
Every year, there are about 20,000 cases of accidents which are related to utilizing forklifts in the United States alone. And each and every year approximately 100 deaths are caused by forklift accidents. Luckily, correct training regarding maintenance and operation procedures could considerably lessen the chance of accidents. The basic safety regulations and suggestions below must be followed whenever utilizing a forklift.
Training
It is the job of the employer to make certain that the correct training program is provided to the employees and that operators of forklifts are certified.. Training involves 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 regulations. Forklift training program content covers dangers of forklift operations, general workplace hazards, workplace surfaces and lighting, and dangers related to using the specific forklift that the worker will be using. An employee must be at least 18 years old to operate a forklift.
Maintenance
In order to make sure that the equipment is functioning properly and safely, forklift inspection should be carried out every day. The inspection involves keeping a checklist of items and reporting any problems immediately.
The Workplace
Safe use of a forklift involves a safe and clean workplace. A safe work place means establishing "traffic lanes" that are designated for forklift use only. Warning systems like for instance flashing lights and horns must be in place to be able to indicate when there is an approaching forklift. Forklift docking stations should be kept in good repair and inspected on a daily basis.
General Guidelines
General safety rules for forklift operation include ; respecting the forklift load capacity and never exceeding the maximum; making sure that there is enough clearance for the load; raising or lowering the load only while the forklift is stationary; and keeping arms, legs and hands inside the vehicle while using it.