Forklifts Can Be Fatal: Safeguard Workers With These Tips

Approximately 95,000 employees are injured every year while operating powered industrial trucks -- and approximately 100 of these injuries result in death. One of the main causes of fatalities are a result of forklift turnover. See the following guidelines from OSHA to ensure worker safety when operating forklifts:

• Be sure all opreators are trained and certified to operate forklifts safely.
• Examine forklift truck for defects before using.
• Do not handle loads that are heavier than the capacity of the industrial truck.
• Do not allow any employee under 18 years old to operate a forklift.
• Properly maintain haulage equipment, including tires.
• Do not modify or make attachments that affect the capacity and safe operation of the forklift without written approval from the forklift's manufacturer.
• Follow safe operating procedures for picking up, moving, putting down and stacking loads.
• Drive safely--never exceed 5 mph and slow down in congested or slippery surface areas.
• Prohibit stunt driving and horseplay.
• Remove unsafe or defective forklift trucks from service.
• Operators shall always wear seatbelts.
• Avoid traveling with elevated loads.
• Assure that rollover protective structure is in place.
• Make certain that the reverse signal alarm is operational and audible above the surrounding noise level.