Safety & Common Accidents-
Most forklift accidents are caused by human error and can be prevented. Safety is the most important factor when operating a forklift.
There are close too 100 deaths a year caused by forklifts and 100,000 injuries ranging from life threatening to minor.
The most common cause of death by a forklift is it tipping over. Tip overs are also the cause of 25% of all injuries. This is why it is imperative to always wear your seat belt when operating a forklift and never attempt to jump from a forklift that is tipping over. Forklifts are
designed to protect the driver when they tip and the cage will offer the protection. Most fatalities are caused by the driver being crushed
by the lift. Forklifts can weigh as much as, and more than, cars and trucks.
Another common accident not far behind tip overs is people being crushed between a forklift and a fixed space. Again this can almost always be prevented with the proper training
and an alert driver. In your training they will teach the operator to stop at intersections, and to blow the horn whenever they are backing up.
Forklift accidents are an occupational hazard and another common cause of accidents are caused by falling loads. And unfortunately again most of the time these can also
be prevented because they are caused by human error. It is extremely important to know they load capacity of the forklift you
are operating and to always inspect the load prior to lifting it. A lot of times people get lazy and assume that their load is secure
or that their forklift can handle it. When operating a forklift laziness can cause serious harm to yourself and others and it cannot be tolerated.
Loads can also topple over when operators drive with the load in the air. This is a huge mistake.
Safety Tips-
Always inspect the forklift prior to operating and make a note of the load capacity
Never fill the fuel tank while the engine is running
Center loads on the fork to prevent tips
Inspect the floor for wet, slippery, or oil covered surfaces
Never stand on any part of the forklift whether loaded or empty
The operator must always slow down at intersections and blow the horn. This is also recommended at blind spots
and other dangerous areas.
Seat belts must always be worn. NO EXCEPTIONS
Workers can be lifted if the proper precautionary measures are followed and there is a proper lifting platform
Drivers should always follow 3 vehicle lengths behind any other moving vehicle
These are just a few of the safety tips operators and workers must follow when forklifts are in use. A much more thorough review of
safety will be covered in proper forklift training.