Fork Lift Usage Best Practices

May 11, 2010

Fork lifts are an important transportation tool in many construction, industrial and warehouse settings. However, they may cause serious injuries if used by employees without proper training.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), deaths associated with forklifts are rising. The average age of a fatally injured worker was 38 years. The three most common factors leading to a fatality were forklift overturns, pedestrians struck by forklifts and workers crushed by forklifts. For our clients who have employees using forklifts in their jobs, we offer a sampling of basic industry tips to insure safe usage of fork lifts by employees:

All drivers should be fully trained and approved by your firm.
Never allow drivers to accept riders or engage in racing.
Require drivers to slow down, stop and honk their horns when crossing an entrance.
Drivers should wear lap and shoulder belts, safety glasses and a helmet.
Drivers should be aware of the load limits of their forklift; likewise for the weight of the loads they are carrying.
Require drivers to always yield to pedestrians, even if they are in a forklift only zone.
Ban driver distractive behavior, like smoking, eating or talking on cell phone when driving a forklift.

Some risk management experts recommend attaching a safety checklist to forklifts. Such a checklist serves as a safety reminder, reinforces training and demonstrates due diligence on the part of management. More information for employers about current OSHA rules can be found in their publication titled Final Rule for Powered Industrial Truck Operator Training (29CFR1910.178(1)).

A forklift is very convenient tool for moving cargo from one place to another. As with any other tool, users must be aware of the dangers, practice safety precautions and use common sense when operating one.