As day-to-day business goes on and we’re so busy with other things throughout the company, it become’s easy to forget some basic forklift safety precautions. Here are some safety tips that are simple, but easily slip our minds.
- Training – All businesses are obligated by law to ensure the proper training of employees in operation of forklifts. Since this is always something that should be revisited, company training sessions could be held periodically to refresh the memory of operators.
- Proper Work Gear – All forklift operators should wear proper clothing for their own safety that of others. This includes: Hardhat, Safety-shoes, Hi-Vis jackets, and tight fitting clothing to prevent injuries due to stuck clothing.
- Regular Safety Inspections – Being so busy with moving the company forward, it is important that nothing goes under our radar. Regular safety inspection should be a must in forklift operation.
- Machinery Checks – All machines should be checked regularly to protect operators and others from injuries due to malfunctions. Some things to look out for include: Mirrors, seating, seat belt, breaks steering, controls, warning devices, mast, and tires.
- Surroundings – Be sure to have a constant awareness of your surroundings when operating a forklift and obey all traffic signs and speed limits.
- Loading Procedure – One of the most common causes of forklift accidents is improper loading procedure. To minimize accidents consider the following: Let the forks sit low when moving, correctly stack loads across both forks, check for overhead obstacles before stacking, use ropes and straps to secure loads, be sure not to overload the forklift, do not push a load with the forks.
- Vision – Always maintain a clear view of your load and you path during operation. This prevents minor dings, and major injuries.
- Ramps – When driving on ramps, the rules are straightforward: If traveling uphill, move forward, if traveling downhill, move backward, never try to turn the forklift when on ramp, always look in the same direction in which you are traveling and use a spotter if necessary.
- Finishing up – When you are finished operating, return the forklift to its proper, authorized space.
