FORKLIFT ACCIDENTS CAUSES ano PREVENTION 1% 8 §=68 = 4,900 1 in 6 workplace deaths Forklifts account for around 24900 serious injuries result involve a forklift 85 deaths every year. from forklift accidents annually Non-setious injuries related Being crushed by an overtumning In their useful life, 90% of all to forklift accidents reach forklift accounts for 42% of forklifts will be involved in 61,800 each year. forklift deaths each year. some type of accident. * Training is the first step in forklift © Fix: Provide training safety. Not knowing how the os forklift works or proper protocol for carrying loads is an accident waiting to happen. Additionally, new inventory, obstacles, changes in floor gradient, or nearby pedestrians can all cause problems for inexperienced operators, 8 Speeding Forklift drivers often become too comfortable and drive irresponsibly. Traveling too fast on a forklift shortens reaction time and leads to accidents. OSHA advises drivers to stay at or below 5 miles per hour, . (© Fix: Slow down SPEED] or motnareconsee LIMIT | facia ak cure forte divers 5 know the rules and follow them. 8 Operating a forklift © with an elevated load This happens much tao often. Driving with an elevated load makes it hard to see, the forklift harder to control, and can cause crashes or the forklift to tip. © Fix: Keep forks low ost ns encourage drivers wo-carry loads as neer tothe ground as o Improper turning Regardless of load, forklifts can tip. They tum with the rear ‘wheels which causes the rear end to swing outward, increasing the chance of tipping during tight turns. © Fix: Slow down for turns Turning 2 comer too fast can cause the *\ forklift to tilt. To avoid tipping, slow dawn _- before the tum and maintain a gradual speed through the entire rotation. @ Insufficient warnings and markings Marking forklift zones is paramount to safety, especially where both forklift and foot © Fix: Mark your facility traffic are present. Prevent accidents by warning employees and visitors with ample signs-and floor markings. S 6 Giving rides or riding on the forklift © Fix: only ride It may seem harmless, but riding anywhere on the forklift in proper seats or forklift load that is not a proper seat can be extremely dangerous. It's never a good idea to ride on the forks or use body parts to balance loads. Never ride-on the forktift anywhere that is nota proper seat. In addition, weara seatbelt if one is provided. © Fix: Maintain a safe area for forklift operation * Keep doors a clear of o QO Workplace design Consider workplace design When purchasing a forklift. Make sure the forklift is: appropriate for the space it will be used in. if there is minimal aisle space, invest in a narrow-aisle forklift. Layout plays a big role in forklift safety. oe Load blocks vision Even when operating a forklift safely and carrying a load as low as possible, vision can often be impaired which may cause accidents with pedestrians or infrastructure. © Fix: Drive backwards ‘you cannot see past the load, dive the fort Backwards. © Fix: Balance and tighten loads + angle forks up oO Unbalanced or insecure loads. Another major cause of forklift tipping is uneven and insecure loads. Things can go sideways fast when a aduitional = LE @ Forklift mechanical failure Given the weight of the forklift and it's loads, a mechanical failure can cause major accidents and injury. load is unbalanced ° Fix: Inspect the forklift regularly At the beginning of each shit, follaw a forktit inspection checklist tomake sure it is in safe working, ‘condition. Wear PPE Set the E-brake When not in use, park the Wear appropriate PPE, Hard The average forklift weighs 9000 forklift in designated forklift hats and reflective vests are lbs. A runaway forklift can cause parking areas often requited in forklift areas. ‘major damage. Set the e-brake! Many accidents can be prevented with training, proper floor marking, PV n men cl Uke Circe using caution and following rules set Ee RCup CMa Celis? CREATIVE 1-866-777-1360 safety supply ee Ne rIC st lei aci] Creative Safety Supply is committed to being your safety and labeling experts. We pravice a wico range of ine safety products to Increase visual awareness, safety and Lean practices. Gall Today!