Forklift safety is critical in any company

The company, which regularly uses forklifts, pays great attention to safety. Everyone on the team, from forklift drivers to other workers, must be aware of the potential risks that forklifts pose and follow strict safety protocols. In the UK, an average of five people are admitted to hospital every working day due to forklift related accidents, which is unfortunately far too common.

Amputations, fractures, life-changing and, unfortunately, fatal injuries are often the result of these events. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), forklifts are involved in 1 in 6 workplace deaths, accounting for 50% of workplace injuries, and there are 34,900 serious forklift injuries requiring time off each year. To ensure the safety of the forklift, it is essential to implement effective forklift protection measures.

How to increase forklift safety and prevent accidents?

1. Receive Comprehensive Forklift Training:

Proper training is imperative for all forklift operators. Completing the necessary training not only enables operators to learn how to operate forklifts efficiently but also ensures they do so safely and legally. Novice, experienced, and refresher training courses are available based on the operator's previous experience. Employers have a responsibility to ensure all staff members receive appropriate training before using forklifts. Regular evaluations and refresher courses should also be conducted to keep operators up to date with evolving safety practices. By enforcing rigorous training policies, companies can potentially prevent around 70% of forklift incidents. 

2. Conduct Pre-Vehicle Checks:

Before operating a forklift, it is essential to perform a routine inspection of the vehicle. Forklifts endure significant stress while carrying heavy loads, so it is crucial to check for any signs of damage or malfunction. Inspect the forks for any bending or cracks, as lifting loads beyond the vehicle's capacity can lead to accidents. Damaged or worn tires should be replaced promptly to maintain stability and prevent accidents. Address any leaks or drips, as they can pose fire hazards and increase the risk of slips and falls. Finally, ensure that the seat belt and overhead guard are in proper working condition for optimal operator protection. 

3. Create a Safer Environment for Forklifts to Operate:

Designate specific lanes for forklifts and pedestrians within the workplace to increase safety. Mark these lanes on the floor or install safety barriers to provide further protection. Install signs and warnings indicating maximum floor loadings and height restrictions. Mirrors on corners can improve visibility and help avoid collisions. Creating a safer environment reduces the risk of accidents and enhances overall forklift safety. 

4. Adhere to On-Site Speed Limits:

Speeding is a leading cause of forklift accidents. It is vital to adhere to designated speed limits and adjust the speed based on the operating conditions. Maintain a safe speed when turning, cornering, or operating on slippery surfaces. The appropriate speed allows operators to have better control over the forklift, react promptly to unexpected situations, and avoid collisions. Consider installing pedestrian swing gates in pedestrian walkways as a preventative measure, they stop pedestrians from walking into traffic lanes without having to stop and assess the situation, raising awareness of their environment. 

5. Keep Forks Low:

When carrying a load, keep the forks low and tilted back to shift the forklift's centre of gravity towards the rear, improving stability. Higher loads should be tilted slightly forward to prevent them from falling off the forks. By keeping the forks low and following proper load handling procedures, operators can reduce the risk of accidents caused by load instability. Solutions such as the A-SAFE ForkGuard Kerb Guardrail can provide a shield to pedestrians in allocated zones from protruding forks. 

6. Maintain Clear Visibility When Driving Forklift:

Maintaining clear visibility is crucial for forklift safety. Keep the mast upright and avoid leaning forward or to the side when carrying a load, as it obstructs the operator's view. If the load obstructs the operator's forward vision, drive in reverse for improved visibility. Ensure that all mirrors and cameras are properly adjusted and regularly cleaned. By having a clear view of the surroundings, operators can detect potential hazards and prevent accidents. 

7. Wear Appropriate Protective Clothing:

Both forklift operators and pedestrians should wear protective clothing, including hard hats, safety shoes, and high-visibility jackets. Loose clothing that can get caught in the forks should be avoided. High-visibility jackets are essential to help operators spot pedestrians while driving a forklift. Ensuring all workers wear protective clothing minimizes potential accidents and provides added protection in case of an incident. 

8. Prohibit Unauthorized Personnel:

To maintain forklift safety, it is crucial to restrict access to authorized personnel only. Pedestrians and unauthorized employees should never operate a forklift unless they have received proper training. Implement clear policies and procedures to ensure that only trained and authorized individuals are allowed to operate forklifts. By strictly enforcing this rule, companies can minimize the risk of accidents caused by inexperienced or unqualified operators. 

9. Regular Maintenance and Inspections:

Regular maintenance and inspections are vital for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of forklifts. Implement a preventive maintenance program to inspect and maintain forklifts according to manufacturer recommendations. This program should include regular checks of brakes, steering, hydraulics, lights, and other critical components. Promptly address any issues identified during inspections to prevent potential breakdowns or accidents. Well-maintained forklifts are less likely to malfunction and pose a threat to operator and bystander safety. 

10. Promote a Culture of Safety:

Creating a culture of safety is essential for forklift protection in the workplace. Foster an environment where safety is prioritized and promoted at all levels of the organization.

Encourage open communication between operators, supervisors, and management regarding safety concerns, near misses, and potential hazards. Conduct regular safety meetings, provide ongoing training, and reward employees for their commitment to safety. By involving everyone in the pursuit of safety, organizations can significantly reduce the likelihood of forklift accidents and create a safer working environment. 
 
Warehouse technology such as RackEye can provide vital insights into your drivers’ behaviours and give instant insights into racking impacts. This reduces the risk to racking collapses from repeated impacts, but also users of this technology have commented that it has improved the driver behaviour.  

Forklift safety is a shared responsibility that requires the commitment of both employers and employees. By following these ten essential tips for forklift protection, workplaces can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities associated with forklift operations. Remember to prioritize comprehensive training, conduct pre-vehicle checks, create a safe environment, wear appropriate protective clothing, keep forks low, maintain clear visibility, adhere to speed limits, prohibit unauthorized personnel, perform regular maintenance and inspections, and promote a culture of safety. By implementing these measures, organizations can enhance forklift safety, protect their employees, and ensure a secure working environment.