08/20/2008

Forklifts have many and varied uses in the workplace. However, by their nature, they can be dangerous both for their drivers and the employees who work around them. California safety regulations require that forklift drivers receive safety training. However, no matter how well you train your drivers, if your employees who work around forklifts don't also practice safe work habits, you're sure to end up with a forklift-related accident.

Because of the counterbalance weight forklifts need for carrying large loads, they are heavy—much heavier than they look. For this reason, when a person is struck by a forklift, the injuries tend to be quite serious. Instruct your employees who work near forklifts to keep the following tips in mind:

• Always stay alert when working in locations where there are forklifts. Do not rely on the driver to see or hear you; forklifts and warehouses can be noisy, and large loads can block sightlines.



• Because they are heavy, forklifts can't stop quickly. Also, forklifts are rear-wheel-driven, causing the rear end to swing wide during turns. For these reasons, give forklifts plenty of room to maneuver: don't stand near (particularly behind) one when it begins to move, and don't try to squeeze by.



• When walking where forklifts are working, listen carefully and look both ways before you step out from an aisle, around a corner, or across a pathway. Avoid crossing in front of a moving forklift, and don't try to beat one to a crossing.



• Remember that the forklift's load and load-handling actions are also hazards. Never stand near or under a loaded forklift and don't stand opposite a forklift working on a shelf unit. Forklifts can drop their load, knock over a stack of materials, or inadvertently push material through or off a shelf, causing a possible crush injury.

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Properly trained drivers are a necessity for keeping employees who work on and around forklifts safe—and a regulatory requirement. Our Special Report, "Powered Industrial Trucks: California's Requirements for Equipment, Workplace Postings, Safe Operation, and Training," will give you the information you need to comply with Cal/OSHA's powered industrial truck regulations. Download Now »

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• Where possible, designate separate forklift and pedestrian driving and walking areas. Paint the designated areas to ensure all workers know where they are.



• Install mirrors in areas with blind spots (like corners and aisle ends) to help pedestrians and forklift drivers keep track of each other.



• Make pedestrian workers more visible by having them wear orange reflective vests.



• Ensure that warehouses and other loading areas are well lit.



• Ensure that all forklift drivers are properly trained.



• Maintain forklifts in good condition.



• Ensure that driving surfaces are maintained in good condition, including cleaning up spills and preventing oily buildup (both of which can hinder safe stopping).

If your worker drove to work today, there's no reason he or she can't just hop on the forklift and get working, right? Wrong. Forklifts are special load-handling equipment, and they require special training to ensure that they are operated safely. "Powered Industrial Trucks: California's Requirements for Equipment, Workplace Postings, Safe Operation, and Training" will provide you with the information you need to make sure your drivers are properly trained and your equipment meets Cal/OSHA standards. This Special Report provides essential safety tools specifically for California employers, including a comprehensive equipment checklist for your drivers to use, and the regulatory requirements for training and safe operating rules.

You can instantly download this exclusive Special Report when you sign up for a free 7-day trial to Cal/OSHA Compliance Advisor Online