Forklift Safety

Research suggests that forklift trucks account for over 1500 accidents in the UK workplace per year. Many of these accidents lead to hospitalisations, and some even result in deaths. So what can those involved in industries requiring the use of forklifts do to ensure their safety?

Management

As with any health and safety initiative, it is important that managers take control and have an awareness of the risks and the relevant procedures that need to be enforced. Managers at all levels – from senior directors to on-site foremen – should stay on top of safety protocol and take responsibility for those working beneath them.

The first step is for managers to complete adequate risk assessments of the working environment, to pinpoint any dangers with equipment, operators or the site itself. Managers should conduct regular inspections of forklift equipment and should ensure that sufficient training is provided to staff.

Managers should also have the confidence to speak up if they observe or anticipate any breaches of good practice; they should also be given authority to take remedial action or tough decisions if necessary.

Operators

Nevertheless, forklift safety cannot be achieved with a purely top-down approach. Individual forklift operators need to take their training seriously and behave sensibly on-site in order to safeguard their own safety and that of other colleagues.

Operators should always ensure that they are fully trained in forklift driving, safety and maintenance before they operate the vehicles independently. They should check their forklifts carefully before each shift for any defects, and they should never allow untrained colleagues to operate or interfere with the trucks at any time.

Operators must also abide by sensible forklift driving rules; accidents often happen when operators load or unload trucks unevenly, travel too fast, overload trucks, use brakes incorrectly or fail to spot hazards. Concentration is key; operators should respect the vehicles and the dangers they present.

Sites

Sites can present a range of hazards to the forklift driver. Many new sites are designed with forklift safety in mind, but older sites often fail to adequately segregate pedestrian areas from forklift areas, set out speed limits or provide enough mirrors and signs to guide forklift drivers.

By adding one-way routes, imposing speed limits and adding high levels of lighting and mirrors, some of these issues can be addressed. In addition, sites must be properly maintained; debris should be removed and spillages cleared up as soon as they occur. All site workers and visitors should be made aware of site safety, particularly where forklifts are involved.

Truck safety

Finally, the forklift trucks themselves should be safe and fit for purpose. There are many types of truck available; not all are suitable for every job. Warehouse equipment, including pallet trucks, should not be used outside. Diesel trucks should not be used indoors unless there is excellent ventilation. Daily checks should be carried out and recorded and faults should be rectified before the trucks are operated.