08 Jun Forklift Safety – 3 Key Aspects
National Forklift Safety Day
June 8th, 2021
Prevent Forklift Accidents
June 8th, 2021 is Forklift Safety Day, so we are highlighting the top three key aspects of forklift safety.
According to McCue’s “Forklift Accident Statistics”, there are approximately 85 fatal forklift accidents every year and 34,900 forklift accidents that result in serious injury. On top of being devastating for the individual injured, forklift accidents are costly to the company, too, as they damage equipment and products, cost precious time, and take valuable employees out of the game.
However, operations can prevent forklift accidents with the right safety measures in place. When it comes to avoiding forklift accidents and prioritizing forklift safety, there are really three key components to keep in mind: equipment, facility setup, and training.
1. Equipment
Safe equipment is at the core of lift truck safety. Over the years, manufacturers have worked to create human-centric forklifts that put safety first. On top of the obvious features such as brakes, seatbelts and/or harnesses, lights, horns, etc., it’s also helpful to have equipment outfitted with a fleet management system. This allows management to keep an eye on a fleet’s overall safety data so they can adjust accordingly.
When preparing to purchase forklifts for your operation, be sure to speak to a specialist about your specific application needs. Every operation has its own unique set of factors to consider. Thankfully, these days, manufacturers can specially design forklifts with your exact needs in mind, allowing safety to remain a top priority and outfitting your operation for peak safety performance.
2. Facility Setup and Design
Paramount to forklift safety is a properly laid-out facility. Safe equipment is only effective in a safe environment. It’s important for warehouse aisles to be spaced properly to maximize efficiency and to allow for safe maneuvering. It’s also imperative that a facility have the necessary OSHA-compliant floor markings. This includes anything from pedestrian walkways to hazardous zones. When a facility is optimized for safety, everyone can work more effectively and with greater peace of mind. Speak with a warehouse consultant today to make sure your facility is set up for ideal lift truck safety.
3. Safety Training
The third and final key element of forklift safety is training. When it comes to forklift training, it’s essential that not only operators be trained (and retrained), but also pedestrians, technicians, and management. Take the time today to assess your training history. Who needs to be trained? Who needs to be retrained? Always be sure to meet (or exceed!) OSHA requirements when it comes to training.
Prioritize Safety Everyday
While we love celebrating Forklift Safety Day once a year here at Lift Power, the truth is, everyday should be forklift safety day. 34,900 injuries every year due to forklift accidents is far too many. What can YOU do to make your operation safer for your forklift operators and pedestrians today?
