Forklift Safety

USING OSHA’S FORKLIFT SAFETY CHECKLIST

To help operators and workers alike, OSHA has produced a Powered Industrial Trucks standard checklist. These lists are extensive and cover what to inspect on a forklift both before and during operation. This type of checklist should be part of every facility’s forklift safety program.

OSHA has created a list for two types of trucks: one for electric motors and the other for gas engines. Many items – fluid levels, make sure gauges are working properly, tire condition – appear on both lists. On an electric engine, however, there’s no need to check the propane tank restraint because there isn’t one.

Of course, these checklists are used as a guide only. They can’t take into account the operator, age, or overall condition of the forklift. However, they go a long way to helping spot and address potential issues.

The end goal of these daily checklists is to ensure proper operating condition of the forklift. OSHA requires daily pre-shift inspections of powered industrial trucks, both before and during operation. Of course, all the checklists in the world won’t matter if operating crews aren’t properly trained.

That means even though the OSHA standard powered industrial truck checklist has been completed, the work isn’t done. Most companies realize this is just a starting point – they need to deal with additional hazards in the plant’s environment. The operational checks make sure the forklifts are in good working order. But what about the forklift operator and the environment they work in?

FORKLIFTS AND SAFETY HAZARDS

The type of accident associated with a particular kind of forklift can vary. How it is used, the type of facility it is used in, and forklift specifications all come in to play. For example, high-lift trucks pose a risk of falling load accidents. Retail establishments need to take precautions for pedestrian safety.

Common forklift safety hazards for workers include:

• Driving a lift offloading docks
• Falling between a trailer and the dock
• Getting struck by a lift
• Falling from an elevated pallet or lift tines

When it comes to plant or facility safety, all aspects of the operation need to work together. Servicing and maintaining the forklift to operator manual specifications is a good start. But it’s not going to help with unsafe storage of materials 20 feet in the air. Following all safe operating procedures of a forklift may not mean much if pedestrians aren’t paying attention.

In many facilities, you’ll see a wide array of markings on the floor. Yellow tape could point out safest routes for forklifts and other machinery. Perhaps blue paths show where pedestrians can safely walk. If a pipe is damaged in an accident, markers indicate what substances are carried and where shut off valves are located.

Will you be able to plan for every unforeseen incident? Not likely. But utilizing simple markers or signs will remove several opportunities for accidents from the start. But there’s a reason hardhat areas, hazardous materials, and even which way a door opens are clearly marked. They help decrease the number of avoidable mishaps.

Hiring a safety contractor can speed up the implementation of a forklift safety program in to the day-to-day operations. In fact, an expert can work with you to evaluate potential hazards and production systems that are contributing to the problem. They may even make your plant or facility more efficient.

Storee Construction’s experienced safety experts have a deep understanding of the industrial and commercial workspace. They will design a customized forklift safety program for your company. Our team can suggest safety products and procedures that reduce accidents.

WHY ENLIST IN A FORKLIFT SAFETY PROGRAM?

Implementing plant safety management procedures can ensure the health and security of your employees. It will save you money, reduce downtime and improve productivity.

In addition to protecting worker safety, a forklift safety program has a high return on investment. The cost of a safety program is small in comparison with improved safety for workers. Accidents not only interrupt productivity, but they also rack up expenses from fines, lawsuits and other costs associated with employee accidents.

When safety comes first, you can feel confident that you’re doing all you can to safeguard employees and customers. You decrease the chance of litigation and non-compliance fines, and you stand to save thousands of dollars.

PARTNER WITH SAFETY PROFESSIONALS

The safety team at Storee Construction understands manufacturing and commercial spaces. Our company has been building, renovating and repairing these structures since 1966. We are a family-owned business working out of Springfield, Missouri.

Our safety team will partner with you, beginning with an evaluation of your facility. We’ll design a forklift safety program customized to your business. We’ll assist your employees with additional suggestions and upgrades.

Safety improvements might include covering or restricting holes and openings, adding protection to pedestrian walkways, and installing safety shutoffs. Storee safety contractors will customize a forklift safety program that will make your company a safer place to work. Which increases productivity, efficiency, and overall workplace confidence.

For help with a forklift safety program, call a professional at Storee Construction today at 888-736-2032. In addition to forklift safety, we’ve been providing construction, relocation, and upgrades to midwest facilities for nearly 60 years. Have a large project on the horizon? Contact Storee Construction today to see how we can help.