Forklift Truck Safety

Forklifts--also called powered industrial trucks (PIT)--are used in a variety of industries, such as construction, warehouses, manufacturing and any industry that moves heavy loads of materials. There are two types of forklifts: one run by fuel and the other by battery. Both types are heavy equipment machines and need to be operated with skill and care in order to avoid injuries.

Injuries Involving Forklift Trucks

• Tens of thousands of workers are injured each year from forklifts, and about 100 are killed. Injuries not only involve the truck operators, but also workers performing maintenance and those working in the area where forklifts move around. Operators can drive or back off of elevated surfaces or the forklift may tip, crushing a worker with a heavy load. Dock loader operators may overturn the forklift and become pinned between a wall and a large truck or other heavy object. Standing or walking workers are often hit by a moving forklift and pinned or even impaled with the forks of the truck.

Safety Training

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set standards for safety training for forklift operators. Before getting onto a forklift truck to begin a job, every worker should have gone through an initial 10-hour safety course from OSHA. In addition, workers should receive refresher training when considerable time has elapsed since their training, or if they will be operating a forklift for which they have not been trained. When starting a forklift-related job, operators should also have refresher training on that specific type of job.

  All forklift operators, maintenance workers and supervisors should be licensed to drive a forklift. Supervisors and persons in charge should also have all the required training, in order to be assured that the operator is working safely and also to be able to foresee and prevent accidents.

Rules and Safety Checklists

• Besides the safety training received, many forklift operators are given safety rule checklists in training sessions or as a periodic refresher. The lists remind workers of important rules that might save the life of the forklift operator or another worker.

  Some safe driving rules to keep the operator safe include: fasten seat belts, look before moving, follow speed limits, keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle and keep your load low enough so you can see over it. Hardhats and other personal protective equipment may be needed when moving certain loads or working in hazardous areas.

  In order to avoid hurting other workers, drivers are reminded to stop, then sound horns at corners or blind spots. Make sure load is secured so it will not fall and hit other workers. And always lower the forks before you turn off the engine and leave the truck.

Inspections

• Daily and periodic inspects are required by OSHA. The forklift must have a safe and working seat belt. Warning lights, backup signals and horns must all work. If changing to a different forklift during the work shift, an operator should inspect that particular forklift before using it.

Recordkeeping

• Maintenance records are mandated by OSHA. Records of different types of work performed, as well as each person who operated the machine are also valuable. Record of the initial 10-hour training and subsequent refresher classes should also be recorded.