Enhancing Workplace Safety by Educating Staff About Forklift Operation

Driving a forklift seems simple for people to do—just go around picking things up, right? What could possibly go wrong?

A lot! Without sharp knowledge, an accident can happen at any time. This screaming baby machine require ability and training in order to avoid disaster.

To keep staff safe and avoid serious injury all workers need to understand the hazards of forklift operation. At a workplace that uses heavy equipment for tasks such as loading and unloading goods from trucks this fact is essential.

Forklifts Present Big Risks

A forklift, or lift truck, enables an operator to pick up and move heavy or bulky materials single-handed. Convenient but there are also many risks involved.

Dangers include:

• Tip-overs – The forklift can tip over from an unbalanced load, turning too quickly, or driving off an edge.
• Falls – Workers can fall from elevated forks or the forklift itself if not secured properly.
• Striking – Workers on foot and other objects can be struck by an errant forklift.
• Caught-between – Workers can be pinned or crushed between the forklift and other solid objects.
• Struck-by – Loads falling from forks can hit workers or cause damage.

These hazards can cause injuries such as fractures, crushing damage to the spinal cord, and even death.

Simply put, forklifts require both mindfulness and special skills to manage them safely.

Training Required by OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) stipulates that all forklift operators must obtain forklift training.

Under OSHA Standard 1910.178, training should include:

• Operating instructions, warnings, and cautions
• How to handle loads plus the vehicle’s weight-carrying capacity and its stability
• Vehicle controls and instrumentation
• Steering and turning radius
• Visibility and safe driving
• Inspection and maintenance
• Refueling and recharging
• Operation restrictions
• Other workplace hazards

The organization must keep records of training for every operator. Failing to train, can lead to OSHA violations and penalties.

The Benefits after Taking the Course

Preventing Accidents

For preventing accidents, the most important reason for forklift driving training is what we already stated.

Training will give operators the knowledge and skills for medium or high work, also loading and unloading. This avoids various common accidents such as:

• Tip overs
• Striking racks or objects
• Pedestrian
• Falls from docks
• Striking overhead objects
• Load falling

A well-trained operator knows to drive cautiously and account for a load’s center of gravity, stay balanced, and avoid hazards.

Recklessly trained operators are responsible for many more forklift mishaps than if they had proper instruction.

Reducing Injuries

In addition to preventing accidents, forklift training also greatly reduces the risk of injury.

Operators learn defensive driving techniques that keep them and others injury-free. Training also covers:

• Right personal protective equipment to use
• Load securement
• Stability on ramps and inclines
• Keeping right speed

The operator has knowledge, so will not be injured in work.

Protecting Inventory

Forklift accidents frequently result in damaged or destroyed inventory.

If a shelf of goods is tipped over or a load drops, easily damaged products. Damaged inventory means poorly satisfied customers, along with large costs.

Hauling things freely with a loaded hand is the result of appropriate training. Operators learn to transport both small and large-sized cargoes or stacks safely. They remove the inventory from harm and save money.

Safest for Pedestrians

Forklifts in motion present enormous hazards to pedestrian workers nearby. A single inadvertent bump could crush someone’s foot or leg.

Thorough training underscores pedestrian attention at all times. Operators learn to proceed carefully in busy areas and avoid distractions.

It covers signaling devices such as horns and backup alarms to warn others when they are moving. A strong point in training is that it teaches trainees to stop quickly and smoothly without hitting their coworkers.

Broadening ones safety horizon is essential to avoid tragic pedestrian accidents.

Reducing Damage to Forklifts

A tiny bump or tumble could cause thousands of dollars in damage to an expensive forklift.

With forklift handling techniques acquired in training, none of this is necessary.

When operators learn to:

• Take corners and turns gently
• Pickup over no flat surfaces
• How to avoid steep edges and docks

They avoid causing damage to the forklift itself.

Increased Efficiency

An expertly trained operator is an efficient operator. He knows the best way to handle each lift and route.

Skills learned in training include:

• how to safely handle loads at maximum size
• how to pack and move loads around in the most rational manner
• procedures for drive-thru racking storage
• how plan lift routes so as save time and distance
• what balance other equipment, such as pallet jacks, offers

These policies accomplish a running achieved over shorter periods but at lower employment costs.

Raised Morale and Corporate Culture

When companies invest in training, they’re showing their workers that they care. This also means giving operators confidence in their operation skills, knowing that safety is always of paramount importance.

A work environment is thus created where safety is the culture. Everyone looks out for the welfare of their fellow workers.

The result is higher spirits and more safety and work output for everyone.

Don’t Forget Refresher Training!

Initial forklift certification is just the beginning. Ongoing refresher training is essential to maintain safety.

Refreshers cover new workplace hazards, updated procedures, and policy changes. Operators can refine driving skills learned initially.

Regular refresher training ensures operators never fall out of practice or forget key safety protocols on the job.

Make Safe Handling of Forklifts a Priority

Painstaking care in the handling of forklifts holds workers, merchandise and equipment out of danger But with training, handling these machines properly is well within the reach of the operator.

Invest in complete instruction on forklift driving for every operator. That’s OSHA’s must and your workers’ right.

The benefits will be enormous: fewer accidents, less illness, preserves of merchandise, greater efficiency. Employee morale will also improve.

By focusing on forklift safety as a top priority with strong training programs, both the employee and your company will benefit for many years to come.