Tips for Preventing Forklift Accidents

Forklifts are some of the most frequently used pieces of equipment across many different industries. Given the sheer size and capacity of these machines, it is of the utmost importance that all workers are properly trained before operating a forklift. If employees are not adequately trained and you fail to follow a forklift maintenance schedule, you could be at risk of a serious accident. There are numerous factors that contribute to forklift accidents, a couple of which we have already mentioned briefly. If you run a company that requires your employees to operate a forklift, it is your responsibility to understand how to prevent accidents involving forklifts.

It is no secret that a lot can go wrong in the workplace, especially in industrial warehouse settings. There are many reasons for this, one of which involves the type of equipment that is used. There are nearly 1 million forklifts in operation throughout the United States, which means there is a pretty high chance of something going wrong. It is imperative that all employees who operate a forklift or work in the vicinity of one understand the risk factors associated with these machines.

With that in mind, there are numerous ways you can prevent forklift accidents from taking place, including the following:

• Correct Training – We have mentioned this several times already, but it is worth discussing more in-depth. OSHA requires all individuals who operate a forklift to undergo proper training and follow the procedures and safety measures put in place. As we have discussed in the past, it is of the utmost importance that you have a forklift inspection checklist in place in order to help prevent accidents and injuries.
• Pay Attention to Loading Practices – One of the number one causes of forklift accidents is improper loading. Forklifts are prone to tipping over if they are not loaded correctly, which is why it is so important to pay attention to how your employees are loading items onto the forklift. According to OSHA, 14 percent of all forklift accidents can be attributed to loading problems.
• Look for Driving/Driver Problems – Yet another leading cause of forklift accidents is driving issues and operator error. It takes proper training and practice to get accustomed to driving a forklift safely. When the operator does not have the right training or is reckless, it could result in a serious accident. Some of the driving problems associated with forklifts include driving off a loading dock, vision problems, control issues, and operator error. With this, horseplay is another serious issue in warehouses that can result in forklift accidents. If you or anyone else notices any horseplay or actions that may compromise the safety of others, make sure it is addressed right away. Operating a forklift is a serious responsibility that should not be taken lightly.

Forklifts are heavy, sometimes unstable machines that require proper training in order to be operated safely. To prevent forklift accidents from taking place under your watch, we encourage you to take the above points into consideration and remember to stay on top of your forklift’s maintenance needs. If you need your forklift serviced in Irving or the surrounding areas, please do not hesitate to contact Ace Equipment today.