Forklift Safety
Mar 26, 2015
Forklift SafetyForklift Safety
Motor Vehicle AccidentsMotor Vehicle AccidentsMotor Vehicle AccidentsMotor Vehicle Accidents
To protect employees
To protect company assets
It’s the law!
Why Forklift Safety?Why Forklift Safety?
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
1992 1995 1998 2001 2004
Fatalities
Potential
Fatalities Source BLS
Fatalities Source BLS
6%
6%
8%
17%
14%
14%
24%
11%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%
Other Accident
Died Repairing
Impact or off Dock
Worker Pinned
Fell from PIT
Worker Struck by Truck
Struck by Load
Tipover
7th on OSHA’s Top 10 list7th on OSHA’s Top 10 list
Powered Industrial Trucks – 1910.178 (3,262 Total Violations)– Top 5 sections cited:
• 1910.178(L)(l) Failure to ensure each powered industrial truck operator is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely
• 1910.178(L)(4)(iii) Failure to evaluate each powered industrial truck operator’s performance at least once every three years
• 1910.178(L)(6) Failure to certify that each operator has been trained and evaluated
• 1910.178(p)(1) Failure to take damaged powered industrial trucks out of service
• 1910.178(Q)(7) Failure to examine powered industrial trucks before placing in service
Benefits to Forklift Safety TrainingBenefits to Forklift Safety Training
• Improve Attitude
• Increase Production
• Increase Operator Safety
• Lower Maintenance Costs
• Lower # of Accidents/Severity
• Lower Insurance Cost
• Fulfill OSHA Requirements
LabelsLabels
Warning Label
!Dan
ger L
abel
Caution Label
Nameplate / Data PlateNameplate / Data Plate
Types of ForkliftsTypes of Forklifts
Operator’s ManualOperator’s Manual
OSHA says you SHALL Read and Understand the Operator’s Manual
The Main Parts of the TruckThe Main Parts of the Truck
Lift Truck vs. AutomobilesLift Truck vs. Automobiles
• Lift Trucks– Not for personal use– Weighs greater than
5,000 lbs.– Rear wheel steering– Training required– Operates on various
surfaces
• Automobiles– For personal use– Weighs less than
5,000 lbs.– Front wheel
steering– Training required– Operates on
smooth, paved surfaces
Mast:What do you really need to know?
Mast:What do you really need to know?
• Never reach into/through mast
• Never stand under forks/load– Never allow others under
Lift Truck BalanceLift Truck Balance
• Internal Combustion
Counterweight
• Electric Powered
Industrial battery
ImbalanceImbalance
• Moving center of gravity outside stability Pyramid:– Loss of steering– Loss of traction– Unstable load– Potential for a tip over– Potential for a tip up
Daily InspectionDaily Inspection
1910.178(q)(7)
Industrial trucks shall be examined before being placed in service…
Why Do A Pre-Operation Inspection?Why Do A Pre-Operation Inspection?
Completion of InspectionCompletion of Inspection
• Report defects to appropriate personnel
• Never operate a truck in need of repair
• Authorized & trained personnel repair trucks
The Visual InspectionThe Visual Inspection
The Operational InspectionThe Operational Inspection
• Operator restraint system
• Horn• Warning
devices• Unusual engine
noise• Fuel level• Gauge readings
• Hydraulics• Steering lock to
lock• Service brake • Park brake• Plugging on
electric powered trucks
Designated AreasDesignated Areas
Operating a ForkliftTraveling & Maneuvering
Operating a ForkliftTraveling & Maneuvering
Mounting – Dismounting
Operating a ForkliftStarting & StoppingOperating a ForkliftStarting & Stopping
Operating a ForkliftOperational SpeedsOperating a ForkliftOperational Speeds
Safe Operating GuidelinesSafe Operating Guidelines
• Safe distance from docks and ramps, stairway, fire aisle & equipment
• No on-the-go directional changes (IC trucks)• Operating surfaces must support truck and load
Speed vs. ReactionSpeed vs. Reaction
Reaction Time18-21 years = ¾ second21- over = 1.5 second
Speed 8.7 mphEquals13 feet per second
Pedestrian TrafficPedestrian Traffic
• Pedestrians have right of way• When approaching corners, intersections:• When passing pedestrians
Operating the ForkliftUsing the Pedal
Operating the ForkliftUsing the Pedal
Operating ForkliftSteering/Turning/Changing Directions
Operating ForkliftSteering/Turning/Changing Directions
Hazards: Tip over : Collision : Struck-by/Crushing Injuries : Load falls
Operating a ForkliftParking
Operating a ForkliftParking
Operating the ForkliftOperating the Forklift
AttachmentsAttachments
TipoversTipovers
IN CASE OF A TIPOVER
Understanding the WorkplaceUnderstanding the Workplace
TrainingTraining
• All operators must be certified by the following
• Retraining
• Certification includes