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OSHA Fork Lift Safety

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, tens of thousands of work-related injuries are caused each year by accidents involving forklifts, also known as powered industrial trucks or PITs. Operators who do not properly follow safety rules or are improperly trained cause most of these injuries. To be in compliance with OSHA safety standards, employers are required to create and enforce a safety and training plan.

  1. OSHA Standards

    • OSHA uses several federal regulations to enforce standards for safe forklift operation in three industries. General industry is covered by 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered Industrial Trucks. Marine terminals by 29 CFR 1917.43, Powered Industrial Trucks. Longshoring regulations are detailed in 29 CFR 1918.65, Mechanically Powered Vehicles used Aboard Vessels.

    Other Federal Standards

    • In addition to OSHA regulations, other federal agencies have standards that pertain to forklift safety: the Department of Transportation regulates handling of hazardous materials, the Environmental Protection Agency has requirements for exhaust emissions for what they term "nonroad engines" and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission determines the requirements for dealing with radioactive materials.

    Potential Hazards

    • About 100 employees are killed and 95,000 are injured each year due to forklift-related accidents, according to OSHA. The most common of these incidents are turnovers. Turnovers usually occur because a load is carried higher than is necessary and the vehicle becomes top heavy. If the operator turns a corner too fast, the vehicle turns over. Many times, it isn't the operator who gets hurt, but instead a worker on the ground or a worker who falls off the extended forks. Some other potential hazards include driving off the edge of a loading dock, crashing into things, driving too fast, poor maintenance and allowing an untrained operator to drive.

    Personal Protective Equipment

    • Personal protective equipment, or PPE, requirements are determined by performing a risk analysis of the workplace. Since the most common use of forklifts are in warehousing or similar operations, OSHA requires a hard hat to protect the operator's head. The types of materials being moved with a forklift determines what additional PPE is needed. Hazardous chemicals, for example, require eye protection and antisplash protective equipment, such as rubber gloves and aprons.

    Training

    • Forklift training is critical to safety in the workplace. Subject matter in the employer's training program should include weight capacity---don't lift more than maximum rated weight---and speed, which 5-mph maximum. Other training subjects are prohibition of horseplay, proper vehicle maintenance and awareness of noxious gases from engine exhaust. Remember, many warehouses are enclosed. Employees also need to understand that they should never allow someone to be between the forklift and the material it is picking up.

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