1. Working Near Forklifts

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. OSHA Regulations Snap-Shots OSHA Regulations Snap-Shots
(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
(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
(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.

13. 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