Forklift safety is crucial, not only because of the potential for injury, but also because accidents can lead to major losses for businesses. Here are the most common forklift safety mistakes that you should avoid at all costs.
Leaning on or hanging onto the forklift while it's in motion posing a very serious risk of being severely injured. If you find yourself in this situation, simply disengage the handbrake and step off of the lift.
Children are much more likely to be distracted by toys or other objects than adults, which can lead to accidents and injuries when operating a forklift. It’s also important to note that small forks and lifts often require more strength than adult hands may possess, making them particularly hazardous for young operators..
If the forklift is in motion, do not try to stop it abruptly – this can cause the forks to slam into each other, resulting in serious damage. Rather, let it come to a complete stop before getting off.
This rule is especially important when loading or unloading containers from a truck; Crossing the yellow line could lead to an accident and costly damages.
This is especially important when the forklift is in motion; If you’re behind it, you’ll be less likely to be injured if something goes wrong.
Keep a safe distance between the forks and your body – they can easily cause injury if you get too close.
Make sure that the weight of what’s being loaded is evenly distributed throughout all forks; otherwise, it could lead to accidents and possible injuries.
Wearing safety gear such as a helmet, eyewear and gloves will help protect you in the event of an accident.
If you ever find yourself in any type of forklift accident, be sure to call for assistance immediately. A forklift is a powerful machine and can easily cause serious injury if not used properly.
Bottom Line
The list is quite long, isn’t it? This should give you an idea on what not to do when carrying a load on forklifts. Here are some safety tips that can help you stay safe while working with forklifts:
Keep your head down and eyes open at all times. Avoid distractions, especially sudden movements or loud sounds. Make sure the workers around you are wearing safety gears as per the company’s rules and regulations.
Don’t keep any item in front of the pallet forks that could fall off easily (until it stops moving). And lastly, don't forget to get training from a professional before starting work with forklifts!
