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This will allow the operator to have better visibility and control. Moving while load is elevated – the fork should stay on rest to safely move between destinations while carrying a load.A forklift operator has a possibility of preventing major incidents such as running over someone if they maintain the proper speed. A supervisor should consistently remind forklift operators to stay on or below the speed limit. Speeding – set a speeding limit while operating a forklift.Here are the common reasons why forklift accidents may occur in the workplace and the corresponding forklift safety tips: The best way to prevent forklift incidents is to be aware of the safety hazards and factors present in the work area. Additionally, in the event of personnel-related injuries, employers can be responsible for covering hospital, recovery, and other work-related injury expenses. The following table is the complete data for forklift operations fatalities as provided by OSHA: Type of Accidentįorklift accidents can cause the company to incur additional operating costs due to the damage on products and property. For fatal accidents, 42% is caused by forklifts tipping over ( OSHA ). OSHA estimates that around 20-25% of forklift related injuries are caused by inadequate training while CDC listed the top 4 types of forklift incidents which are forklift overturns (22%), worker on foot struck by forklift (20%), victim crushed by forklift (16%), fall from forklift (9%). There is a potential to reach zero work-related forklift injuries if only employers complied with the safety regulations and forklift operators received proper training and support. Statistics show that the number of forklift related injuries are slowly decreasing every year. In the years that followed, newer technology emerged and implementation of safety standards have been better. These numbers are less than what it was two decades ago when CDC reported that there were 100 fatalities while 20,000 accounts for nonfatal injuries. Forklift related accidents account for 79 fatalities and 8,140 nonfatal work-related injuries in the year of 2019 according to the National Security Council. Operating a forklift is not an easy task as driving a regular vehicle. The forklift operator will be using a different type of forklift or truckĪdditionally, OSHA standard 1910.178(l)(4)(iii) states that the employer is required to evaluate the forklift operator every 3 years.The forklift operator was evaluated to be unsafely operating the equipment.The forklift operator had been involved in an incident or near-miss accident.The forklift operator was using the machine in an unsafe manner.OSHA powered industrial truck standards recommends that employers give refresher training courses, 1910.178(l)(4), in the following events: This provision is intended for initial forklift operator training, it also stated to only include topics that are applicable to your work area. The required training content can be found in 1910.178(l)(3). While OSHA doesn’t provide the forklift certifications, forklift operators can get training from outside their company and get a certificate for completion of training.Įmployers are responsible for certifying that the training provided was adequate and in compliance with OSHA guidelines. įorklift operators are required to participate and complete training before they’re allowed to operate the forklift. These forklift inspections can be conveniently recorded by using a digital checklist such as these forklift checklists. Defects or signs of wear and tear should be reported immediately. Forklifts used round-the-clock should be examined every shift. The most basic operational procedure that was set by OSHA, 1910.178(q)(7), states that industrial trucks such as forklifts should be inspected every day before they’re placed in the service area. There are numerous procedures that are in compliance with industry standards such as OSHA’s to ensure forklift safety in the workplace.