Forklift Hazards and Safe Operation Responsibility

Forklift Hazard

Most warehouse managers are aware of the problems and hazards that come along with the operations of a forklift:

There are so many hazards linked with forklift operations. To prevent hazardous accidents and save forklift operators as well as other employees, forklift operators, supervisors, and workers all need to understand the potential forklift hazards. Only being aware of the forklift hazards and safe operation responsibility can reduce injuries and damage.

Common Forklift Hazards

The most common causes of accidents related to forklift hazards are listed below, if it is possible to address these factors properly, then forklift hazardous accidents will decrease significantly.

Unsafe load and Overloading are causes of frequent forklift accidents. Do not overload and keep the load limit low.

Do not hand over the forklift to untrained forklift operators, Forklift trucks are extremely heavy even sometimes experienced drivers can make mistakes, so never allow unauthorized forklift operators.

Passengers are not allowed on the forklifts even while the forklift is carrying no load; it's the forklift operator's responsibility to ensure no persons will lift on the forks, or the backside of the forklift to balance the heavy load lifting. A special forklift platform must be used for employees using a forklift to gain access to elevated equipment.

Falling loads are common in a forklift accident. Keep loads low, and make sure the mast is tilted back for stability. Odd-shaped loads that are tall or wide must be moved carefully and slowly.

 Forklift speeding causes lots of accidents; forklift operators must understand that forklift driving is not a ‘horse race’! The seed must be kept within safe limits, especially in corners and obstructed areas.

 Unnecessary forklifts rising up should be avoided to prevent forklift accidents. Must understand the limit of fork rise and load capacity.

 Pedestrians and forklifts moving in the same place are another cause of forklift accidents. Forklift drivers are responsible, like other vehicle drivers avoiding pedestrians, even when pedestrians walk on the forklift area.

 Must consider the slippery, gravelly, or poor path during forklift driving. Go under-loaded and slow on the slippery and poor path. Replace the poor or un-threaded tyres immediately and don’t use worn tires for forklift.

Drive the forklift slowly and sound the horn at corners or intersections to alert other employees. Also, always travel unloaded with the forks no more than ½ meters from the ground.

       

An unsafe battery connection may cause electrical shock from the forklift. Ensure good electrical wiring and make sure to separate the forklift battery charging & parking area.

Inspect the daily forklift’s breaks, engine fluids, hydraulic lines, head & tail lamps, tyres, backup alarm, turn signals, overhead guard, lift controls, horn, and mirrors just before starting the day.

To establish a safe work environment in your workplace, employers must ensure the health and safety of all workers; workers must take reasonable care and cooperate with their employer to protect their health and safety from forklift hazards.