OSHA posted an Alert regarding Forklift safety. While powered industrial trucks (PIT) including forklifts make handling material more efficient, they can pose serious hazards to those operating or working near them. These hazards can be prevented by following safe practices, establishing safety systems, and ensuring that workers are properly trained.
Remember that only trained and certified workers, including on the type of PITs used at your facilities, may operate a PIT.
Taking the following steps as part of your safety program will protect workers from PIT hazards.
- Always wear seatbelts when operating a forklift.
- Never exceed the rated load, and ensure loads are balanced.
- Make sure you have enough clearance when raising and loading materials.
- Watch for pedestrians and observe speed limits.
- Keep a safe distance from platform and ramp edges.
We at Dimensions add:
- Ensure the area(s) for PIT travel are well designated and marked.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Remember that pedestrians have the right away.
- Never hurry.
- Manage PIT safety as other safety programs are managed.
The OSHA website has additional information including a sample checklist. Also, here is an OSHA Quick Card for Safe Forklift Operations
Dimensions provides PIT training customized to your needs, types of PITs, and facility layout. We also provide,
- Consultation to address concerns,
- Help co-create safe procedures, and
- Develop and implement safety management systems.