Flagging Direct Blog Prevent Forklift-Related Accidents and Injuries

Approximately 95,000 employees are injured every year while operating powered industrial trucks -- and approximately 100 of these injuries result in death. One of the main causes of fatalities are a result of forklift turnover. See the following guidelines from OSHA to ensure worker safety when operating forklifts: Be sure all opreators are trained and certified to operate forklifts safely. Examine forklift truck for defects before using. Do not handle loads that are heavier than the capacity of the industrial truck. Do not allow any employee under 18 years old to operate a forklift. Properly maintain haulage equipment, including tires. Do not modify or make attachments that affect the capacity and safe operation of the forklift without written approval from the forklift's manufacturer. Follow safe operating procedures for picking up, moving, putting down and stacking loads. Drive safely--never exceed 5 mph and slow down in congested or slippery surface areas. Prohibit stunt driving and horseplay. Remove unsafe or defective forklift trucks from service. Operators shall always wear seatbelts. Avoid traveling with elevated loads. Assure that rollover protective structure is in place. Make certain that the reverse signal alarm is operational and audible above the surrounding noise level. See this OSHA link more information on safe operation of forklifts: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/poweredindustrialtrucks/.