A guide to safety when using forklift equipment
Forklifts can improve productivity, speed up processes and protect the health and safety of employees. But according to the UK Material Handing Association (UMHA), there are over 1300 forklift accidents every year.
Below are a few tips to help ensure safety if you use forklifts in your business.
Step 1: Make sure areas where forklifts are used are clearly lit, signed and marked
Make sure there are clearly marked areas where forklifts are in use as well as walkways for pedestrians, which vehicles and forklifts avoid.
The areas in which forklifts are used should be clearly marked and there should be clear signage of the following:
Designated roads or paths
Signage to keep below a 10 miles per hour speed limit
Good markings and lighting if there are low ceilings or doorways, give ways, loading bays & exclusion zones
Clear marking of the edges of ramps, bays and docks are
Good lighting, signage and markings of any hazardous areas such as uneven ground or bumps, or areas where pedestrians may walk out unexpectedly
You can find helpful signage in our brochure
Step 2: Provide good and regular training
Many forklift accidents happen due to improper use. Make sure you check that all staff operating forklifts have had training which is regularly updated and refreshed to ensure they are aware of:
Correct PPE requirements
Starting checklist to make sure surroundings are safe and seating etc is adjusted appropriately and also pre-use safety checks
Training should include bespoke training about the particular environment, where forklifts can and cannot be used, and any hazards or areas which are dangerous. Accident and incident records should be used to update notes and added to training to ensure particular hazards are highlighted.
Safe loading procedures. Unsafe loads are a major cause of forklift accidents.
Ensuring good visibility while operating.
Safely driving on ramps.
End of shift procedures, how and where to store forklifts and when and where it is safe to dismount and leave the equipment when not in use.
Step 3: Provide appropriate PPE
Personal protective workwear and equipment that forklift operators should have access to include:
Protective hard hats
Safety shoes
See our range of safety shoes here: www.cornishindustrial.co.uk/safety-shoes-trainers
Hi-Vis jackets
Hi-Vis GORT Reversible Bodywarmer, Orange, £18.97
[https://www.cornishindustrial.co.uk/product-page/hi-vis-gort-reversible-bodywarmer-orange]
Close-fitting clothing – loose clothing, sleeves or trouser legs, can easily become trapped in machinery.
See our clothing size guide here: www.cornishindustrial.co.uk/clothing-size-chart
Step 3: Carry out regular risk assessments and safety inspections
Carrying out regular risk assessments of the operators, environment and equipment is vital. Operators may experience changes in their health, for example, surfaces may get damaged or lighting may need to be updated. When it comes to equipment, regular safety checks should take place and ideal the following things should be checked before each use:
Brakes
Steering
Controls
Warning devices
Mast
Tyres
Any problems or faults uncovered, or any signs of excessive wear and tear that become evident should mean the vehicle is immediately taken out of action and repairs should be carried out by a fully trained and qualified mechanic or engineer.
Risk assessments, inspections, results and actions should be recorded in health and safety documentation.
More resources
You can find more information and a guide to safety when using forklifts here at the HSE website: www.hse.gov.uk/workplacetransport/lift-trucks/index.htm
Our sales team are also happy to discuss potential solutions and measures that can improve safety. Contact us at sales@cisafety.com or call 01726 74264.