Preventing injuries and deaths of workers who operate or work near forklifts

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) requests assistance in preventing injuries and deaths of workers who operate or work near forklifts.

NIOSH investigations of forklift-related deaths indicate that many employers may not be aware of the risks of operating or working near forklifts. They may not follow the procedures set forth in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, consensus standards, or equipment manufacturer's guidelines.

NIOSH requests that editors of trade journals, safety and health officials, industry associations, unions, and employers in all industries bring the recommendations in this Alert to the attention of all workers who are at risk.


Employee
- Make sure that workers do not operate a forklift unless they have been trained and licensed.

- Develop, and implement a comprehensive training program to protect and prevent injury and death.

- Inform and instill the danger to the workers of operating or working near a forklift.

- Wear a helmet at all times.


Employers should take note:
- Conduct pre-operation safety inspection on horn functions, steering mechanism with engine running, seat break, clutch and hydraulic control.

- Be extra careful when driving the forklift to conduct picking or loading.

- Make sure forklift is charge before use (Minimum charge should be ½ capacity or ¾ for heavy load).

- Do not operate a forklift unless you have been trained and licensed.

- Use seatbelts when driving forklift if they are available.


Precaution to be taken under consideration when driving forklift truck:
- Be aware of obstacles, both ahead and overhead.

- Be cautious about cable trays.

- Move materials only in the designated areas with adequate space.

- Do not block individuals into a stack

- horn whenever you are unsure of oncoming traffic, intersections or when reversing (Vision obstructed).

- If you cannot see well, have a spotter.

- Loads should be lowered for stability and to increase the vision of obstacles.

- Do not raise or lower the forks while the forklift is moving.

- Operate the forklift at a speed that will permit it to be stopped safely.

- Do not allow passengers to ride on forklift trucks unless a seat is provided.

- Never travel with load in raised position.


Safety Consideration for Workers on foot:
- Should be separated from the forklift traffic where possible.

- Limit some aisles to workers on foot only or forklifts only.

- Restrict the use of forklifts near time clocks, break rooms, cafeterias, and main exits, particularly when the flow of workers on foot is at a peak (such as at the end of a shift or during breaks).

- Evaluate and improve the visibility of forklift operators or workers on foot.) etc, fix more mirrors at any corners or blind spot)

- Make every effort to alert workers when a forklift is nearby. Use horns, audible backup alarms, and flashing lights to warn workers and other forklift operators in the area. Flashing lights are especially important in areas where the ambient noise level is high.

here are some videos to show on some of the safety precaution to be taken under consideration.





and here are some of the "No No" ways to drive a forklift.
Please do not learn


the driver should not drive so fast when he knows he is surrounded by goods.



in the first place, the driver should be lowered the loads for stability and not to move when the loads are at the highest point. it might cause the forklift to flip in worst case senario.