Forklifts and other materials handling vehicles are enormously powerful machines that can weigh upwards of several tons. As a result, they have the potential to be one of the most dangerous pieces of equipment in any warehouse, manufacturing facility or industrial setting.
According to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration, there are approximately 35,000 forklift accidents involving serious injury in the US each year. About 85 of these are fatal, on average.
90% of Forklifts Involved in Accidents Statistically
There are about 855,900 forklifts in the US, so assuming only one accident per forklift, that means that about 11% of all forklifts will be involved in some type of injury accident in any given year.
Another way of looking at it is this: Given that the average life of a forklift is about eight years, that means that 90% of all forklifts will be involved in some type of injury accident during their useful life, assuming one accident per forklift.
OSHA Safety Guidelines
Those are some startling statistics. To reduce your chances of experiencing a forklift accident, OSHA recommends following these standard forklift safety procedures:
- When starting a forklift, make sure you conduct a pre-operation inspection. A second operational check should be conducted after the engine is started.
- Before putting the forklift into motion, the operator should check to see that the path is clear of obstructions, especially pedestrians. It’s always a good idea to sound your horn in warning.
- If your view is obstructed, use a spotter to help guide you while performing the job.
- When stopping a forklift, always select a safe area to park. Don’t park the vehicle in unauthorized areas, or block an aisle or exit.
- Given the vehicle’s enormous weight, never park or operate a forklift over a surface that is not designed to support the weight of both the forklift and its payload.
- When stopping the forklift, apply the brake slowly and bring the vehicle to a full stop. Before exiting the forklift, neutralize the controls, set the parking brake and turn off the ignition.
- If you park the forklift on an include, block its wheels with wheel chocks.
Speed Causes Most Accidents
One of the most common causes of forklift accidents is operating the vehicle at an unsafe speed. Driving too fast can cause the forklift to tip over or can cause you to lose all or part of your payload. Most collisions with pedestrians and obstacles is caused by inattention and by not being able stop in time.
To prevent speed-related accidents, always follow these OSHA guidelines for the safe operation of forklifts and other industrial vehicles:
- At all times, vehicles must be operated at a rate of speed that allows the operator to bring it to a full stop in a safe manner.
- The driver needs to slow down for slippery, wet floors.
- At all times, the operator should pay attention to the direction of travel, keeping a clear view of the forklift’s intended path.
- The driver must slow down and honk the horn at cross aisles and at any other location where vision is obstructed.
- If the vehicle’s load obstructs the driver’s forward view, the forklift is required to travel with the load trailing.
Safe operation of forklifts and other materials handling vehicles is just good business. Not only can it reduce accidents and injuries, but it can increase productivity and reduce product lost through damage.