Forklifts: Get Into Compliance
In the Safety world, at least to OSHA, forklifts are called Power Industrial Trucks (PIT). The words “forklift” and “PIT” will be used interchangeably in this blog. There's a whole standard dedicated to PITs. Why? Because they are dangerous.
They can weigh over 3,000 lbs. depending on the type and can strike people or property, causing injury, death, or damage. Even PIT drivers are at risk if they aren't trained properly. They could jump out if the PIT is tipping over – which is a huge no-no but unfortunately, people still die every year from attempting to jump out during a tip-over and accidentally get crushed by the forklift and the ground.
Bureau of Labor Statistic Fact:
From 2011 to 2017, 614 workers lost their lives and more than 7,000 nonfatal injuries with days away from work occurred due to forklift-related incidents.
Why do we care about compliance?
You could care to be fined by OSHA if they were to inspect your facility. You don't have to be a massive manufacturing facility to be inspected by OSHA. Take Dollar General Stores – they constantly get inspected by OSHA and regularly get hefty fines. So following forklift OSHA regulations will minimize potential fines.
Secondly, and most importantly, following the OSHA regulations and being in compliance will lead to a safer workplace for your employees. Safer workplaces have higher employee morale and are more efficient in getting work done. Plus, you won’t have the indirect costs from the time it takes to complete the incident investigation, and the direct costs from injuries or property damage.
Getting work done safely = more profit for your company
Training
Operators of forklifts must be trained. Training must ensure that the operators are competent in PIT operation. Training must include a combination of formal instruction such as a PowerPoint presentation or video and practical training. The practical training would consist of a demonstration by the trainer and exercises performed by the trainee on the PIT. The trainer must then evaluate the operator's performance. In addition to training to be able to operate the forklift, they must be recertified every three years through an evaluation.
DID YOU KNOW?
It is a violation of Federal law for anyone under 18 years of age to operate a forklift or for anyone OVER 18 years of age who is not adequately trained and certified to do so.
Inspections
Forklift operators should inspect their forklift before operation. You can use a daily inspection checklist permanently attached to your forklift with a clipboard. If the operator finds issues with the forklift, it must be taken out of operation and fixed before it can be used.
Traveling Forklifts
When using a forklift, speed limit signs must be followed. If multiple forklifts travel, there should be three truck length distances maintained. The forklift operator must slow down and sound the horn when there are cross aisles or where vision is obstructed. If an operator is carrying a load and their view is blocked, they should travel with the load behind them. The operator should always look in the direction of travel to keep a clear view in front of them.
For more information on loading up a forklift, where you can not drive a forklift, the types of guards required, how to handle fuel, changing and storing batteries, and lighting requirements, and what types of information you should be training operators on, contact us or check out the full PIT OSHA regulation.
This blog was written by Brandy Bossle, Triangle Safety Consulting LLC's Owner and Principal Consultant. She offers audits, expertise, resources, and guidance to help small to medium-sized manufacturing facilities improve their safety program.
She is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) under the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.
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