5 Deadly Forklift Dangers
Apr 27, 2010 Forklifts
OSHA estimates that 1 million forklifts are used in workplaces across the United States. Each year, nearly 100 workers are killed and another 20,000 are seriously injured in forklift-related incidents.
Deadly Danger # 1—Forklift Turnovers
Close to one out of every four fatalities occurs when a forklift tips over. Forklifts can easily tip if they are overloaded, if the load is not well balanced, or if they travel with the forks too high.
How it can happen: A forklift operator was killed when his forklift overturned when he was turning while backing down an incline. Another operator was fatally injured when his forklift fell off a loading dock and pinned him under the overhead guard. Neither worker was wearing a seat belt.
How to prevent these accidents: Operators should be required to wear seat belts and must be trained to:
- Make sure the load is stable and safely arranged on the forks.
- Avoid tilting the forks forward except when picking up or depositing a load.
- Tilt the load backward only enough to stabilize the load.
- On grades, tilt the load back and raise it only as far as needed to clear the road surface.
- Use extreme caution on grades or ramps.
- Keep the load uphill when going up or down an incline.
- Avoid raising or lowering the forks while the forklift is moving.
- Slow down to make turns and avoid attempting sharp turns.
- Make sure that there is room for the rear end to swing when making turns.
- Handle asymmetrical loads when their work includes this activity.
- Slow down on wet or slippery surfaces.
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