Basic safety guidelines to be followed while using a forklift

A forklift is a small self driving vehicle that is used to move heavy pallets of equipment and can be found on many construction worksites. And while it can help workers do their jobs better, this type of vehicle requires real skill to operate. If used improperly it can cause serious accidents and leave workers with major injuries. So here are some basic safety principles to follow whenever a forklift is in operation.

One basic forklift safety guideline is to always operate the vehicle at a proper rate of speed. This means never driving the vehicle too fast so that it can’t be properly stopped when necessary. While driving, the forklift driver must always slow down the vehicle when approaching any area where other vehicles or workers may be. The driver should also blow the vehicle’s horn at these areas.

Another key safety guideline is to never allow anyone who has not been properly trained or does not have the appropriate driver certification to operate a forklift. To acquire this certification, a company should make sure that they have a comprehensive driver training program in place. This assures that all the drivers who are certified forklift operators have received the same level of training.

A general type of safety guideline for forklifts is to always ensure that the working environment for the vehicles is safe. This can be accomplished by performing routine safety inspections on all of the roadway areas where the forklifts travel. Removing obstructions from the traffic area such as debris and garbage can help improve forklift safety.

A forklift accident can lead to devastating injuries for a forklift operator or any other worker or pedestrian. Any Michigan worker who has been injured on the job site may want to speak to an injury lawyer in order to understand any worker compensation or disability programs for which they may be eligible.

Source: cdc.gov, “Preventing injuries and death of workers who operate or work near forklifts“, Accessed Aug 31, 2105