3 Key Tips for Safe Forklift Operations

We often think of forklifts (powered industrial trucks) merely in the setting of warehouse material handling and shipyards. In fact, most, if not all, industries use forklifts for moving heavy materials and goods.

Because of its wide practicality in nearly every industry around the world, most of us have been exposed to it in some form or another in our lives. Because of this, we should all be aware of the main hazards associated with forklift use.

Although this type of machinery is highly beneficial in moving heavy objects around, it can easily cause serious injury or death, either by forklift operation or products being transported.

I am sharing my three top tips for Forklift safety operations.  It’s how we do business at SilMan every day:

• effective operator training
• proper inspections of equipment, loads, and worksite
• and be a smooth operator!

Let’s break it down.

1. Training

Serious injuries and fatalities can result from a variety of reasons surrounding mobile equipment use. The most common hazards or exposures are all of the usual suspect: enclosed or tight spaces, damage to local objects, utilities, or structures, tip-overs, being struck by, caught between, ran over, or crushed by the forklift or from falling materials.

But there are other hazards that are often missed or underestimated:

• hydraulic leaks
• equipment failure
• local traffic
• arcing with overhead power lines
• slab drop-offs
• ramps and slopes
• exceeding rated capacities
• slips and falls,
• fires and explosions
• atmospheric hazards
• and loss of control.

So more than ever before, training is essential in keeping workers aware of these potential hazards and how to mitigate them. Operator certification training typically includes hazard awareness, pre-use inspections, stability, safe operation, and many other core elements.

Did you know?

OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.178 (l) requires employers to formally train and evaluate their forklift operators. Employers must document and certify only “competent” operators that prove they can safely operate the company’s forklift in each environment it is being used. Forklift Operator Certifications are based on the class of lift truck and is valid for 3 years, yet this privilege can be revoked at any time, as deemed by the employer.

2. Inspections

Equipment inspection is an important element of safe forklift operation. This helps the operator understand the equipment’s mechanical issues before something serious occurs unexpectedly.

Since forklifts are often shared between multiple operators, it is critical that forklifts are inspected before each shift. Discipline in this area will help identify critical issues that may cause sudden failure, injury, or worse.

Unsafe issues should be immediately addressed and reported to Supervisors. A forklift that cannot be used due to a failed inspection should be shut off, parked, and tagged “Do Not Use” with the reasons why.

Each load must also be inspected for stability, balance/center of gravity, weight, size, quantity, securement, placement, loading and unloading clearances, etc. The Operator must understand each load and how to handle it to lift and transport items safely without dropping the load and injuring others around them.

Inspecting the environment (or worksite) is another critical element to safe forklift operation. Both the Operator and nearby workers must understand their environment.

Things to watch for:

• Ramps
• drop-offs
• confined spaces
• hazardous atmospheres
• poor lighting
• poor visibility
• tight spots
• heavy pedestrian
• vehicular traffic
• poor weather
• and overhead obstructions.

Understanding the environmental hazards and loads to be lifted around is just as critical as understanding the forklift itself.

3. Safe and Smooth Operation

Each operator must eventually become one with the machine.

An Operator must be fully aware of his surroundings and always maintain full control of the equipment.  And in the end, the operator is responsible for the safety of others around their forklift.

The forklift by itself does not cause any injuries. Most harm is caused by an unsafe act either by the operator or a person within the local area.

Operators who cannot control a forklift safely, smoothly, and comfortably need additional training/practice, or the employer should suspend or revoke their license until they can prove competency.

Just like driving a car, getting comfortable with the controls takes time and practice.  An advanced driver can focus their entire attention on the load and their environment; operating the machinery is second nature.

This is the goal. Not to become complacent, but rather gain the ability to focus on critical areas.

And remember, forklift operations typically involve a minimum of two persons.  The Operator and a Spotter/ Signal Person, are in full view of the Operator.

Summary:

It takes a team to run a safe environment.  And that includes forklift operations.

Invest: Do you have young drivers or up-and-comers? Set them up for success and safety, with training and opportunities to gain supervised experience, in safe controlled environments. Every business, including yours, deserves well-trained, skilled, and experienced personnel to operate heavy machinery.

Stay Safe, everyone!

Scott Harding,

Safety Director, SilMan Industries

scottharding@silmanindustries.com