Copyright Progressive Business Publications Forklift Safety
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Forklifts Can Cause Injuries and Death Tipping over Driving off a loading or receiving dock Trapping or crushing a worker
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Biggest Causes of Forklift Accidents Tipping over because of: –Moving too fast while turning –Carrying an unbalanced load –Driving across an uneven surface Coming into contact with power lines
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Safe Use of Forklifts Forklifts are designed to carry the driver That means no passengers Never lift another worker unless you have proper equipment
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Differences Between a Forklift and Your Own Vehicle Can’t stop quickly Tipping over because of loads that are too heavy or unstable Rear wheels can lift off the ground
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Safety Begins Before You Start Moving Conduct your own safety inspection Check the: –Steering –The brakes for too much play –Hydraulic controls
Copyright Progressive Business Publications A Checklist to Use Before Moving Find the data plate Check the forklift’s: –Truck weight –Load capacity –Load center Make sure the load is secure Don’t lift broken or unsecured pallets
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Risks While in Motion Don’t go faster than 6 mph At intersections: –Slow down –Look in all directions –Beep your horn On the dock: –Know where the edge is –Make sure truck wheels are chocked
Copyright Progressive Business Publications A Forklift’s Controls Keep an eye on your gauges: –Engine temperature –Amperes –Oil pressure –Fuel or battery power Read the manual for your vehicle
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Load Control and Stability The key to safely lifting and moving loads: Keep the load’s center of gravity inside the forklift’s Stability Triangle Refer to the forklift’s Data Plate for specific information about load capacity
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Moving and Setting Down Loads Load the heaviest item first Tilting forks forward can be dangerous The higher a load is carried off the ground, the more unstable it is
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Driving Where the Surface is Not Flat It’s generally best to avoid driving up or down inclines Make sure the tires are suited for the surface Go slowly over rough surfaces Don’t drive over mud, sand, gravel or soft dirt.
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Watch Out for Others Workers on foot have right of way Make sure your warning light, horn and back-up alarm are working Sound the horn –Before backing up –At intersections –Before going through doors
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Stopping, Parking and Shutting Down Always park in a safe spot Set the parking brake and take the key with you Conduct a safety inspection and report any concerns or problems
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Summary Forklifts can be deadly Drivers must be trained You’re responsible for inspecting the forklift for safety If you have any questions or concerns about a forklift’s safe operation, report them immediately