Electric Forklift Safety

According to a case study published by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, a forklift driver was killed after the forklift he was driving overturned and pinned him under the overhead guard. The forklift was carrying 150 pounds of cardboard while backing down a 4 percent incline. In a similar case, a female worker was killed after a fast-moving fork truck traveling in reverse struck a bin, which then struck her, killing her at her workstation. Forklift-related deaths and injuries are preventable when drivers are properly trained. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets the standards for forklift safety.

Daily Inspection

• Forklift safety starts each day, before operation, with the forklift inspection. OSHA makes recommendations for the inspection checklist, but it may vary depending on the specific forklift. Before powering up the forklift inspect the following: the battery, hydraulic fluid level, hydraulic cylinders, forks, lift chains and rollers, tires, overhead guard and the mast assembly. With the power on, check the hour meter gauge and the battery discharge indicator. Also test the operation of the forklift, brakes, steering, lights, horn and safety seat. Report any malfunctioning, nonfunctioning or damaged parts so that they can be corrected before use.

Training

• Only licensed and trained workers may operate forklifts as required by OSHA rule 29 CFR 1910.178(l). Certification training includes formal instruction and practical training and evaluation, followed by certification by a person with the knowledge training and experience to do so. Training on forklift operation, workplace training and knowledge of OSHA standards are taught. After initial certification, the operator must be reevaluted at least once every three years. If the forklift driver is operating in an unsafe manner or is involved in an accident, the driver must undergo refresher training.

Age Restrictions

• No one under 18 years of age--16 in some agricultural industries--may operate a forklift, according to the Fair Labor Standards Act. In addition, employers and forklift operators must follow practices that ensure the safety of minor workers and others working where forklifts are used. When possible, separate forklift areas from areas where workers are mving about on foot, including near restrooms, break rooms and exits. Use barriers when possible to separate these forklift areas. Also, forklift drivers should signal with the horn when foot traffic is nearby.

Hazardous Materials

• Hazardous materials training may also be required if the forklift operator handles certain materials or works in an environment considered hazardous. Department of Transportation regulation 49 CFR 172.704 requires training for general hazardous material handling, training specific to the job, safety training and security awareness training. Additional training may be required by the EPA or other agencies, depending on the type of material that is handled.

Operation

• OSHA mandates certain rules for forklifts while in operation to protect the driver and others in the vicinity. A forklift driver must keep the truck at a speed that permits safe stopping at any time; slow down and use the horn whenever his view is blocked; use caution and avoid turning on slopes and inclines; not raise the forks while in motion; not allow riders on the forks or other unintended positions; always use horns and sounds to alert workers on foot; never drive the forklift up to someone backed up against an immovable object; and always keep sight of the path, whatever direction the forklift is moving. If the truck tips, the driver should stay on the forklift, hold on and lean away from the direction of the tip.