Introduction
Forklift operations are happening everywhere at Innovations Manufacturing. The forklift is used to move materials from one part of the factory floor to another and to load and unload trucks. The powered equipment literally travels every part of the factory floor.
Just like all pieces of machinery, there are rules and regulations that need to be followed when operating forklifts. Depending on the type of forklift that you are using, the safety protocols may vary, but overall, the same type of forklift safety precautions are needed everywhere you go. It is not only about the operator's safety, but also the safety of workers who are in close proximity to the forklift operations- which is just about everybody at some point in time.
Forklift Injury & Fatality Statistics
Forklift accidents happen all too often in warehouses and on jobsites across the country. Thanks to institutions like OSHA and NIOSH, we are able to get data on the occurrence and causes of forklift injuries and fatalities in order to help prevent future injuries from occurring.
OSHA Forklift Fatality Statistics
OSHA reports that annually there are about 85 fatalities having to do with forklifts. That is a large number that needs to be reduced. One of the biggest risks with forklifts, is being on uneven ground or having an uneven load, and the machine tips over or the load falls off.
OSHA Forklift Injury Statistics
Annually OSHA received over 34,000 reports of serious injuries due to forklift accidents. That’s an average of 680 serious accidents per state per year.
NIOSH Forklift Fatality Research
Over a period of 14 years, NIOSH recorded and investigated 1,024 fatal incidents that happened with forklifts. Of all of those incidents that occurred, NIOSH discovered that the breakdown of them all was as followed:
9% of People Fell From The Forklift
16% of People Were Crushed By The Forklift
20% of People Were Struck By A Forklift
22% of People Were Killed By An Overturned Forklift
Forklift Safety Practices
Making sure that everyone is aware of forklift safety precautions and regulations that need to be followed can make a worksite safer. There is a risk of injury from a forklift to everyone that is on the Company factory floor and if everyone works together to make things as safe as possible, unnecessary injuries can be avoided. Here are some forklift safety talking points that we all should know before operating a forklift.
1. Avoid Crowded Areas
Areas that are crowded with people make for a dangerous situation. The workers who are walking around the factory floor are at risk of being struck by the forklift, pinned between things, or injured from things falling. For forklift-pedestrian safety, it is best to make sure that workers are not in the path of the forklift or in the fall-zone when it is operating.
2. Watch The Weight Of The Load
When the forklift is loaded, making sure that the weight limit is being adhered to is important. Having uneven loads that are too heavy can make for dangerous situations. The machinery can tip over or the load can fall off, posing as a risk to the operator and the surrounding workers.
3. Watch The Fork Height
When you are moving a load or even without a load, the forks of the machine should be low to the ground. This way things can be more easily managed and if there were to be a problem, there is less risk of it hurting someone.
4. Watch Your Speed
When you are operating a forklift on the worksite, there is no reason to travel at excessive speed. Going slow and steady is safest for everyone involved. That way you can be more aware of your surroundings and things that may get in your way.
5. Stay On Even Ground
Uneven grounds are the most common reason for tip-overs happening to the forklift. Make sure that you are paying attention to the ground levels that you are working on. The load that you are carrying will determine how well the forklift travels on uneven grounds as well.
6. Use The Seatbelt
Safety belts should always be worn when you are operating a moving vehicle of any kind. The forklift is no exception to that rule. Anyone who is operating the equipment should always have the seatbelt on and buckled for their safety.
7. Stay Put When Tipping Over
When you are in a forklift and it begins to tip, your first instinct may be to jump out. This is actually more dangerous than staying put. You risk slipping or not jumping far enough and getting stuck under the equipment. The best thing to do is to stay put and brace yourself the best you can.
8. Only Operate If Qualified
There are qualifications required before you are allowed to operate a forklift for the Company. These instructions are going to teach you the correct usage and safety guidelines needed to operate them. It is important that when you are on a job site, that you are only operating machinery that you are authorized to use.
Accident Example:
In this accident video, Singing Bob tries to fit his forklift past a hand lift truck and the warehouse storage shelves. It would have only taken 30 seconds to move the obstruction, but true to form, Singing Bob took an unnecessary risk and ended up nearly killing himself and three co-workers.