Managing industrial workplaces not only means production; This also means ensuring the safety of employees. When it comes to forklift operation, training is crucial.
Check the top 5 important safety guidelines that must exist in the workplace to prevent potential worker claims and save on the cost of mechanical maintenance and equipment replacement.
1. Trained personnel operate forklifts
Untrained employees should never come into contact with forklift keys, even experienced drivers should be closely monitored. Regular testing of employees on equipment maintenance, safety regulations, and responsible forklift use is a wise approach.
2. Appropriate training system
Forklift design has evolved over time, and it is crucial for employees to understand the details of specific machines. What is the weight of the load? What are the common issues with this specific model?
In addition to specific machines, employees must also be familiar with forklift machinery and work areas. They should be aware of the forklift path and the location of prohibited areas.
3. forklift maintenance awareness
Each forklift comes with a manufacturer's guide that details the maintenance requirements for your specific model, and operators and supervisors should read this guide. Test their content.
A maintenance plan should also be developed. Ensuring proper maintenance of equipment can prevent accidents from occurring.
Regular inspections are an integral part of any maintenance plan. A checklist should be established to inspect each machine component, and forklifts should be evaluated in both active and inactive states.
4. Safe workplace
Forklift paths and restricted areas should be clearly marked. Floor marking tape is a method of marking floors. Ensure that the workplace is well lit and any slippery areas are clearly marked.
Workers should pay attention to slowing down when passing through any uneven or inclined areas.
Perhaps the most important factor in any safe workplace is compliance with rules, such as:
Forklifts can only be used for their intended purpose
Safety checks should be conducted twice a day, before and after operation
Forklift operators must maintain a seated position while driving
The goods should be placed on the forks, and the speed should be reduced when operating near pedestrians or obstacles in contact with the backrest or truck
Pedestrians have the right of way
The clothes should be very eye-catching
Passengers are prohibited from riding forklifts
When the forklift is not working, the key should be removed, the controller should be placed in neutral, the power should be turned off, the fork should be lowered, and the parking brake should be set.
5. Use of seat belts
If your forklift has a seat belt, it must always be fastened. They help:
Prevent drivers from falling off the vehicle in case of accidental collisions and forklift tilting
Place the driver under the overhead safety guard. If your forklift does not have a seat belt, consider installing one.
Through appropriate training, regular forklift maintenance, and regular employee testing, the risk of injury is greatly reduced, and the likelihood of accidents affecting productivity is also greatly reduced.
