Forklift Operation: Safety Steps And Guidelines

Posted by Anna Haris on August 21st, 2018

Forklifts are the most important unavoidable machine in workplaces, warehouses, and factories. The improper usage of these powered industrial trucks can be very dangerous, deadly, and they require respect, observations, and diligence for the safe operation of a forklift. Workers those who have not been trained in the techniques that make forklifts to lift heavy loads are at heightened risk of injury or death.

The employer in a construction site has a duty to protect every employee by providing the information, instruction, supervision, equipment and training required to safely complete your work.

Load-carrying hazards include:

• Hazards due to unstable loads.
• Because of loads of hazardous materials.
• Carrying a heavy load with the forks too high.
• Working around loading docks.
• Carrying loads that block the forward vision.
• Stacking and unstacking on racks.

It is really important for each and every operator in a construction site to take a Forklift training to avoid these hazards due to lack of knowledge about Forklift operation. An untrained forklift operator can be as dangerous as an unlicensed driver of a motor vehicle

Forklift operators at heightened risk of injury or death include those who:

• Have not been trained in the principles that allow forklifts to lift heavy loads.
• Those who are unfamiliar with how a particular forklift works.
• Those who operate a forklift carelessly on a worksite.
• Use a forklift despite the machine having missing parts or unapproved alterations.

Some rules or guidelines to operate forklift:

• Ensure a load is completely stable and safely secured on the forks before operating the forklift.
• Keep loads low to the ground when travelling.
• Keep a load uphill when moving up or down an incline.
• Drive slowly when surroundings are wet or slippery.
• Slow down when making turns and honk the horn if traffic is encountered.
• Never allow unauthorized workers to operate a forklift, and refrain from engaging in horseplay when operating one.

Safety is the most important thing in a construction site. By taking simple and easy steps can prevent injuries and accidents in a workplace effectively.

Simple Tips for operating a forklift safely:

• Operators must be qualified and certified.
• Appropriate clothing and precautions must be worn. 
• Examine Every Equipment in a forklift before use. 
• Starting up the forklift carefully. 
• Consider the surrounding environment before operating. 
• Operate at a safe and minimum speed. 
• Avoid Hazards due to unawareness. 
• Ensure your load is stable and secure.

Forklift safety training is important because drivers who operate forklifts without the proper training become immediate dangers to themselves and any other employees working in their area.