How to Prevent Forklift Accidents in the Workplace

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports nearly 100,000 injuries are reported each year as a result of forklift accidents. Of these, nearly 100 result in fatalities. These accidents are estimated to cost employers in excess of $100 million annually. The sad truth concerning these numbers are that most forklifts accidents are completely avoidable.

Things You'll Need

• Training materials
• Training facility/room
• Forklift

Instructions

1. Train the operators. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires all forklift operators to be certified. Each employer may develop their own training program to meet this requirement. The training course must include a classroom program as well as hands-on training. New operators must be trained in the safe operation of the forklift, how to complete the daily checklist and how to refuel the machine. The training program must be tailored to the facility and type of machine to be operated. Once the training is complete the new operator must be evaluated by qualified people. This evaluation should be a hands-on event with the machine type the operator will be using when certified.

2. Modify the workplace to avoid accidents. Pedestrians being struck by a forklift is a leading cause of forklift related injuries. Whenever possible totally separate machine traffic from pedestrian traffic. Walkways should never double as forklift travel paths. Where pedestrian traffic and forklifts must meet, construct crosswalks. Paint strips on the floor, put up stop signs and other warning signs. A flashing light is also a good idea. Forklift operators must be trained to slow down or stop at all crosswalks and sound the horn. Pedestrians always have the right of way and forklift operators must maintain a safe speed at all times.

3. Install appropriate safety items. At corners where vision is limited, install mirrors to aide the operators in seeing oncoming traffic. Install barriers or railings to prevent forklifts from impacting items, such as electrical equipment sprinkler systems or other utilities. Posters and other safety literature should be posted in the break room and other high traffic areas. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as eye protection and gloves, must be provided for drivers who will be refueling or exchanging propane tanks. All forklifts must be equipped with seat belts as well as the appropriate style of safety seat. Keeping the operator in the operator's compartment is key to avoiding serious injury in the event of a tip-over accident.

References

• New Equipment Digest Industrial Search; Forklift Safety Zone
• National Association of Wholesale Distributors; Forklift Safety Awareness