Common Forklift Hazards in a Warehouse
- Forklift Speed and Maneuvering. If a forklift operator is not careful enough when moving and turning in the workplace, they run the risk of causing injuries and damage nearby.
- Operator Blind Spots. What can frequently make these practices hard to maintain for newcomers to the job is the fact that forklifts are frequently driven in reverse.
- Forklift Load Stability. Unstable loads can cause forklifts to improperly maneuver around the warehouse, and in some cases, topple over entirely.
- Quality of Floors in the Workplace. As important as it is to maintain proper speeds and load capacity in the warehouse, there’s something that can cause accidents even if an ...
- Travelling at excessive speed.
- Riding with the load elevated.
- Improper backing up techniques.
- Improper turning, braking or accelerating.
- Improper warnings to others about a forklift in use nearby.
- Poor communication during shared tasks, or in shared spaces.
What are hazards in using a standing forklift?
Stand-up forklift operators are especially susceptible to knee pain. Take care of your knees and avoid pain by: Using a knee brace. Sitting down (if you’ve been standing) or walk for a few minutes every hour. Using three points of contact whenever you enter or exit the lift instead of jumping on or off. 4.
How to safely operate a forklift?
STEPS TO OPERATING A FORKLIFT SAFELY
- Starting with Safety. Begin by making sure you’re wearing the right clothing, including a hard hat, gloves, hard-soled shoes, and a visibility vest.
- The Basics of Forklift Operation. After donning the right safety gear and performing the necessary inspections, it’s time to climb into the forklift and buckle your seat belt.
- Mastering Lift Techniques. ...
How often should Operators inspect their forklift?
Your fleet of forklifts should be treated no differently. OSHA requires operators to inspect their forklifts at the end of each shift. Other OSHA requirements are detailed under compliance section 1910.178 (q), but the overall guideline is that forklifts should not be used if they’re not in safe operating condition.
How to avoid forklift accidents?
Reduce and avoid accidents with pedestrians:
- Separate the pedestrian and forklift traffic by creating designated walkways or travel ways
- Restrict people from entering areas where the forklift is operating
- Keep a safe distance from the forklift whenever possible
What is the most common forklift hazard?
Some of the most common forklift accidents include overturns, struck with a forklift and falls from a forklift. Luckily, all of these forklift hazards are things employees can avoid with some vigilance and preparedness prior to and during operation.
Which of the following are forklift hazards?
Top 12 Forklift Safety Hazards & How To Avoid ThemImproper Use.Blind spots.Unsecured Loads.Improper Maintenance.Docks & Ramps.Fueling.Speed.Pedestrians.More items...•
What are the 4 main causes of injuries when using forklifts?
Main Causes of Forklift InjuriesForklifts are inadvertently driven off loading docks.Forklifts fall between docks and unsecured trailers.Workers are struck by forklifts.Workers fall from elevated pallets and/or the platform of a forklift.
Which is a risk associated with the use of a forklift truck?
Operators of forklift trucks may suffer serious traumas when the load falls from the truck, or stacked load collapses, etc. Forklift Truck Operators may, in the course of time, suffer from back, neck and hands and arm pains, cause by uncomfortable seating, vibrations and excessive physical efforts.
What are the types of hazards?
The six main categories of hazards are:Biological. Biological hazards include viruses, bacteria, insects, animals, etc., that can cause adverse health impacts. ... Chemical. Chemical hazards are hazardous substances that can cause harm. ... Physical. ... Safety. ... Ergonomic. ... Psychosocial.
What is the most common cause of a forklift accident?
Here is a breakdown of the most common causes of forklift accidents:Overworked or overstressed forklift operators.Encouraging forklift operators to cut corners to get the job done more quickly.Poor maintenance of forklifts.Failing to replace forklifts when they are no longer safe to use.More items...
What is forklift accident?
Many involved hitting a fellow worker, blocked sight, or lack of proper training on the part of the forklift operator. Other accidents, including forklift rollovers, falling loads, and falls from the forklift, can be prevented with safe work environment operations.
How can I improve my forklift safety?
The 15 Forklift Safety Tips To Avoid InjuriesGet Forklift Certification. ... Wear Proper Clothing. ... Know the Forklift Class. ... Inspect the Equipment Daily. ... Maintain 360° Visibility. ... Implement a Floor Marking System. ... Maintain Equipment Capacity. ... Never Carry Extra People.More items...•
How can forklifts prevent accidents?
Here are five ways to prevent forklift accidents and promote warehouse safety.Keep up on training. ... Have a clean, organized warehouse. ... Enhance safety mechanisms. ... Operate well-maintained forklifts. ... Maintain loading and unloading procedures.
What are two hazards of driving a forklift in reverse?
Reversing forklifts are responsible for many forklift accidents because the operator's line of sight is often compromised. Plus, when a driver is twisted around to look behind the vehicle, he or she may not always be aware of what is happening with the load.
What is a potential hazard of traveling an unloaded forklift truck?
While traveling, be aware of these potential hazards: Overturning forklift. Falling load. Being struck or crushed by forklift.
Which of the following are workplace hazards that forklift operators must be aware of OSHA?
Here are five of the more prominent hazards of forklift usage.Maneuvering. A forklift doesn't move in the same way that a car does. ... Blind spots. The load being carried can create blind spots for the operator. ... Load stability. ... Fueling. ... Speed.
Which of the following are workplace hazards that forklift operators must be aware of OSHA?
Here are five of the more prominent hazards of forklift usage.Maneuvering. A forklift doesn't move in the same way that a car does. ... Blind spots. The load being carried can create blind spots for the operator. ... Load stability. ... Fueling. ... Speed.
What are two hazards of driving a forklift in reverse?
Reversing forklifts are responsible for many forklift accidents because the operator's line of sight is often compromised. Plus, when a driver is twisted around to look behind the vehicle, he or she may not always be aware of what is happening with the load.
What are the hazards in a warehouse?
Top 10 Warehouse Safety HazardsFalls. In the latest data, the BLS reported that non-fatal falls, slips, and trips increased 11 percent in 2019 to 880. ... Heavy Equipment. Working with heavy equipment produces many opportunities for injury. ... Moving Parts. ... Heavy Materials. ... Overexertion. ... Slips and Trips. ... Harmful Substances. ... Fires.More items...•
What are the common workplace hazards?
What are the 5 major hazards in the workplace?Falls and Falling Objects.Chemical Exposure.Fire Hazards.Electrical Hazards.Repetitive Motion Injury.
What should you teach your team forklift?
This is your responsibility when you run a team. 1. Improper Use. There is an OSHA formal training program that each individual should follow.
Why is recharging a forklift dangerous?
The recharging area can be incredibly hazardous because of the gas or other chemicals involved in recharging the forklift. Diesel and propane are both extremely flammable and could cause fires or explosions.
What happens if you hang a forklift from the ceiling?
If any low ceilings or objects are hanging from the above, this could cause a dire situation. It could collide with whatever the forklift is carrying , or the forklift may not fit, causing other problems. The Solution. Always mark where the forklift can and cannot go.
Why are pedestrians dangerous?
Pedestrians. Pedestrians are a common theme throughout this article, and that’s because anyone unaware of a zone they’re in can potentially cause a dangerous situation. Pedestrians themselves may cause accidents, or the forklift might try to maneuver around them and end up somewhere it’s not supposed to be.
What should every machine operator know about using a forklift?
Every machine operator who uses the forklift should be aware of how to use docks, ramps, and truck lifts. If a forklift operator does not know how to do that, pair them with someone who is comfortable with the other ramps. Training and teaching are crucial. 6. Fueling.
What causes a forklift to fail?
Uneven floors or other places that have not been paved correctly may cause damage to the forklift. Surfaces that are wet, slippery, or cluttered with debris could cause problems for the forklift.
When a forklift is in motion, should the operator be aware of the surrounding environment?
When the forklift is in motion, the operator should be aware of the surrounding environment. Consider designating a lookout person. The people walking around should also understand to stay out of the forklift zone to prevent accidents. You can create a pedestrian-only area if needed.
Why do forklifts tip over?
Wet and slippery floors can cause a forklift to skid, whilst cracks and pot holes in the ground can cause the unit to tip over. Any wet and slippery hazards should be cleaned up, debris and obstructions removed and cracks and pot holes should be fixed to ensure a safe work environment for forklifts to operate over. 6.
What are the potential hazards of a forklift?
Overhead obstructions such as mezzanine levels and low hanging doorways present another potential hazard for forklifts. If a load is being transported with the tynes raised to high a collision with the obstruction may occur that may cause damage to the load, forklift or the overhead obstruction.
Why are forklifts dangerous?
Forklifts are large and heavy pieces of machinery, due to their size operating them in an inappropriate manner or without due care can make them hazardous to operators, pedestrians and facilities. In this week’s post we briefly describe ten common forklift hazards and how they can be mitigated to improve safety. 1. Improper Operation and Use.
Why should forklifts be used?
Forklifts should only be operated for the purpose they’re designed and engineered to complete the safe lifting and maneuvering of palletised and heavy goods. Trying to use the forklift for unintended purposes similar to inappropriate operation greatly increase the chances of accidents occurring.
What is the importance of ensuring all forklift operators hold a valid forklift licence?
Ensuring all forklift operators hold a valid forklift licence and have completed up to date training is likely to decrease the likelihood of rogue operators utilising the forklift inappropriately, as they possess the required driving skills and are aware of their obligations when operating the unit. 2. Load Hazards.
Why should refueling areas be built with high levels of ventilation?
Refueling areas should be built with high levels of ventilation to allow toxic fumes to dissipate efficiently reducing the potential for fire to occur. 8. Attachments. Forklift attachment are another source of hazards as their installation directly affects the units lift operating clearances and safe lifting capacity.
What are the problems that can occur if a forklift isn't properly maintained?
Not properly maintaining a forklift can increase the risk of an accident occurring. Broken lights, alarms that don’t work, worn tynes, damaged chains and fluid leaks are examples of problems that can occur if a forklift isn’t properly maintained.
Why are attachments important for a forklift?
Attachments are a source of several forklift hazards since different attachments affect both the lift’s operating clearances and overall capacity . Attachments also add weight to a lift and reduce the capacity of the load . A forklift operator should acquaint themselves with each attachment used including the safety protocols and capacity limits to account for any potential operational changes.
Why are blind spots dangerous?
Blind spots are especially dangerous when operating a forklift since unexpected impact causes serious injuries. Full loads obstruct the operator’s view and force them to drive backward at times as mentioned above. Drivers should be comfortable driving a forklift and should also have a spotter when maneuvering around blind spots.
What is rear end steering?
Rear-end steering makes the forklift take tight turns in the front but swings wide in the back. Drivers should take this into account when navigating a bustling work zone in a forklift. Narrow or cluttered aisles, high pedestrian traffic, and other outdoor and warehouse safety concerns also make maneuvering tough.
Why is it important to have the right forklift?
Awareness at all times is key to preventing avoidable injuries. It’s also important to have the right types of forklift for your job since loads and terrain greatly vary between tasks. Take a look at our forklift inventory and find the right lift for your project.
What is a forklift?
Forklifts are powerful vehicles that are ideal for lifting and carrying heavy loads. Just like any type of machinery, however, these lifts also come with their own sets of hazards to look out for in the work zone. Factors like new attachments, poorly ventilated work zones and many other things can increase the risk of accidents and fatalities.
Can a forklift cause a fall?
Debris, puddles, unstable ground and other floor obstructions can cause falls or overturns if not immediately taken into account. You should clear the ground of obstructions and hazards and plan to avoid any unfixable floor hurdles before beginning the job. Ramps also pose a risk due to the forklift’s heavy weight.
Is refueling dangerous?
Fueling. Refueling and recharging poses potential safety hazards due to the fuel’s flammability risk. Diesel and propane are both flammable while battery recharging generates flammable gas. Due to this, you should never smoke near a refueling or recharging area.
Attachments
Fueling
- Refueling and recharging poses potential safety hazards due to the fuel’s flammability risk. Diesel and propane are both flammable while battery recharging generates flammable gas. Due to this, you should never smoke near a refueling or recharging area. Poor ventilation heightens the potential risk of fires and also encourages the buildup of toxic fumes like carbon monoxide.
Maneuvering and Speed
- Improperly driving a forklift presents its own set of dangers. Drivers can potentially collide with things like pedestrians and other tools if they’re not paying close attention to their surroundings. Maneuvering a forklift is difficult since you’ll mostly drive in reverse for most jobs due to an obstructed frontal view from the load. Rear-end stee...
Blind Spots
- Blind spots are especially dangerous when operating a forklift since unexpected impact causes serious injuries. Full loads obstruct the operator’s view and force them to drive backward at times as mentioned above. Drivers should be comfortable driving a forklift and should also have a spotter when maneuvering around blind spots. Poor lighting and weather conditions can also de…
Floor Conditions
- The surrounding work area presents several potential forklift dangers. Debris, puddles, unstable ground and other floor obstructions can cause falls or overturns if not immediately taken into account. You should clear the ground of obstructions and hazards and plan to avoid any unfixable floor hurdles before beginning the job. Ramps also pose a risk due to the forklift’s heavy weight. …
Loads
- Loads are another source of possible forklift hazards depending on what and how much you’re carrying. You should always secure your loads before moving the forklift and double-check that the load is both stable and not exceeding capacity. Any of these things can result in overturns and other accidents. It’s also important to operate with extra caution when carrying hazardous mater…