Working Near Forklifts

Introduction In many workplaces, forklifts are the primary tool for material handling. As useful as forklifts are, they can be deadly if not operated safely and if pedestrians are not aware of the hazards of working near forklifts. Forklift training is not just for the forklift operator. In this training session, we will discuss the hazards of working near forklifts and what workers can do to stay safe. Slide Show Notes

After this training you should be able to: Session Objectives After this training you should be able to: Identify the hazards associated with working around forklifts Describe the preventive measures workers can take to keep themselves safe while working around forklifts Demonstrate how to include Forklift Safety Awareness into a Pre-Job Briefing or ‘Tailgate’ Meeting Slide Show Notes The objectives of this training are outlined here.

Forklifts are Specialized Vehicles Forklifts outweigh many cars A fully loaded Forklift may weigh 5,000 lbs. Forklifts steer from the back wheels causing the rear end to swing out Forklift operators have reduced visibility Slide Show Notes A forklift may look relatively small but many of them actually weigh more than a standard sized automobile. Steering is done with the back wheels, rather than the front wheels, which means it’s the back of the machine that swings and moves, rather than the front, as with a car. So, for workers around the machine it’s movement is ‘counter intuitive’ meaning it moves in ways that you don’t expect. Also, as in the picture above, you can see how the forklift operator’s view can often be blocked by the load they are carrying. If they can’t see you, it’s very important that you see them and monitor the machine’s movement very closely.

Forklifts are Specialized Vehicles Forklifts are noisy – the operator will not hear you Forklifts are driven where they are needed – don’t expect them to stay on a road The Forklift’s load may be a hazard to you Slide Show Notes Job sites are typically noisy places and the operation of a forklift adds to that. The operator often can’t see you, as we discussed earlier, but they are unlikely to hear you, as well. You will likely need to be right up to the forklift cab to be seen and heard – which may be a danger in itself, depending on the movement of the vehicle and the load being carried.

Hazard Assessment Every job-site can present a different series of potential hazards: ‘Struck-by’ injuries Cuts - Abrasions Foot Injuries Crushing Injuries Traffic related Eye Injuries Hearing loss Slide Show Notes This list of possible injuries from a forklift is not complete, but shows several, typical injuries commonly sustained by workers not protecting themselves around forklifts.

Hazard Assessment Hazard Assessments are Job-Site Specific each location has its own Hazard Assessments identify all potential hazards some may not be obvious Hazard Assessments match a Preventive Safety Action to each hazard identified Hazard Assessments result in written and communicated Emergency Plans for the site and the job at hand Slide Show Notes It’s important to access the hazards at each job site and discuss ways to eliminate or mitigate the hazard identified.

Preventive Safety Measures Listen – for engine noise Listen – backup alarms Listen – for forklift horns Look – for flashing lights Watch – as the forklift operator maneuvers the vehicle Stay back from the forklift until the operator sees you Keep your feet away from the forklift tires Slide Show Notes Here are common safety measures when working around forklifts on any jobsite.

Personal Protective Equipment Hard Hat Work Gloves Safety Glasses / Goggles Safety-toed Shoes High-Visibility Vests Hearing Protection Long sleeve shirts – heavy cotton work pants Traffic Cones Slide Show Notes This slide shows the typical PPE items to consider to help mitigate hazards when working around forklifts.

Communicating with the Operator Forklifts are noisy communicating with the operator requires hand and arm signals Anyone working around forklifts should know these common signals Slide Show Notes Since the forklift operator is unlikely to be able to hear you, understanding the commonly used ‘hand signals’, is an important part of worker safety, as well.

Communicating with the Crew Pre-Job Briefings (Tailgate Meetings) Tailgate meetings are important in identifying and communicating hazards to the crew and what will be done to prevent accidents and keep the crewmembers safe. Slide Show Notes As with other hazard mitigation practices, it’s a good idea for workers in the area where a forklift will be operating, to have a briefing prior to starting work. This provides an ‘orientation’ for all workers to better understand what the forklift operator expects to do and where he or she is likely to be operating the machine in the work area.

OSHA Regulations Snap-Shots OSHA Regulations Snap-Shots 1910.178(m)(2) No person shall be allowed to stand or pass under the elevated portion of any truck, whether loaded or empty. OSHA Regulations Snap-Shots 1910.178(m)(3) Unauthorized personnel shall not be permitted to ride on powered industrial trucks. A safe place to ride shall be provided where riding of trucks is authorized. OSHA Regulations Snap-Shots 1910.178(m)(4) The employer shall prohibit arms or legs from being placed between the uprights of the mast or outside the running lines of the truck. Slide Show Notes OSHA regulations also include some that relate directly to the workers in the area, rather than just to the forklift operator.

Any Questions? Do you have any questions about: What hazards are associated with working around forklifts? What actions can be taken to keep personnel safe around forklifts? How to communicate with a forklift operator? How to communicate forklift hazards and preventive measures to a crew? Slide Show Notes