How to prevent forklift accidents in workplaces

How to prevent forklift accidents in workplaces

Tens of thousands of work related injuries are reported each year due to forklift accidents. These accidents have not only cost companies in excess of $100 millions but have resulted in taking the lives of hundreds of employees.

Forklifts are required in almost all industries. However, it can also be one of the most dangerous equipment if it is not handled properly. The forklift related accidents can be attributed to lack of safety rule enforcement, lack of proper operating procedures and inadequate training of the workers. OSHA claims that employees get injured when trucks are inadvertently driven off the loading docks, struck by a lift truck, fall or crushed.

One fact is that these accidents related to forklift could have been avoided. The following steps would let you know how you can prevent this occupational hazard and protect your workers:

* OSHA Safety Training: OSHA's main mission is to prevent occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities by enforcing and issuing standards for workplace safety and health. With forklifts being one of the leading causes of occupational accidents and injuries, OSHA has mandated every employee handling forklift must get a certification to operate it. If an operator is not certified then, the company is liable to face a penalty up to $7,000. So, being trained in the OSHA forklift standard will save you big time.

* The operators must get a training that fully complies with the OSHA regulations. A forklift training includes different areas of study. The OSHA safety training will meet the requirements and provide a detailed info on how to operate the forklift properly, how to complete daily checklist and so on. Once the training is completed, the participants will receive the certificate and they can start to operate the forklift.

* Modify Work Environment: It does happen often that innocent pedestrians get struck by forklifts. An operator must be extra cautious when they are operating between pedestrian traffic. They must slow down, stop at all crosswalks and blow the horn. You must always maintain a safe speed all the time.

* Install Accurate safety Items: Install mirrors at corners where vision is often limited to see the oncoming traffic. Barriers or railings must be installed to prevent it from having a big impact with items like electrical equipment or other utilities. Posters should be posted in break rooms and other high traffic areas in the workplaces. Drivers should be provided with proper PPE like eye protection and gloves and the forklifts must be equipped with seat belts ad safety seats.

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